ynetnews - Mideast News

ynetnews on Facebook

Weather:

HRW concludes some officials saw risk of Beirut blast, failed to act

Report shows warnings to various official bodies from 2014 onwards regarding dangers posed by chemical shipment being ignored, with president and PM suspected of being alerted two weeks ahead of disaster

Reuters , 11:16, 08.03.21

Iran ultraconservative Raisi inaugurated as president

The former judiciary chief - criticized by the West for his human rights record - says his government will seek to lift 'tyrannical' U.S. sanctions, but not succumb to the 'will of foreigners'

AFP , 10:55, 08.03.21

Hezbollah operatives among five dead in south Beirut shooting, sources say

Ambush takes place during the funeral of a member of the Iranian-backed terror group who was killed a day earlier in a revenge killing as the Lebanese town of Khaldeh descends further into sectarian violence between Shi'ite and Sunni residents

News agencies , 19:47, 08.01.21

Iranian government not always truthful, says departing president

Rouhani’s comments, aired on state television, come as officials in his government have appeared rudderless in recent months amid a series of crises ranging from the coronavirus pandemic to parching droughts fueling public protests

Associated Press , 14:55, 08.01.21

Iran's supreme leader criticizes U.S. as nuclear talks stalled

Claiming outgoing president Hassan Rouhani was naïve in his negotiations with world powers over return to the 2015 nuclear deal, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the West were enemies of Iran intent on harm wherever possible

Associated Press , 19:59, 07.28.21

Leaked secret Iran docs expose plans for civilian cyber strikes

Five leaked documents include explanations on how ship's internal systems can be used against it, how fuel pumps could be exploited to cause explosion and how smart systems can be hacked to destroy building air filtration mechanism

i24NEWS, Ynet , 12:33, 07.27.21

Hezbollah-backed candidate named Lebanon's premier-designate

Najib Mikati, a billionaire businessman and former prime minister, was backed by most of Lebanon's political parties, including the Iran-backed terror group; he faces Christian opposition which did not name anyone as their candidate

Associated Press , 18:02, 07.26.21

Lebanese president prospected PM-designate Mikati

Sunni tycoon and twice former prime minister will have to face a major challenge in navigating country's power-sharing structure to secure agreement on a cabinet and tackle crippling financial crisis

Reuters , 12:14, 07.26.21

Tunisian democracy in crisis after president ousts government

President Kais Saied says he would assume executive authority with assistance of new premier in move critics call a coup after mass protests erupt nationwide over chronic political dysfunction and economic malaise

Reuters , 09:22, 07.26.21

Iran opens oil terminal in Gulf of Oman to bypass Strait of Hormuz

President Rouhani hails 'failure' of U.S. sanctions, says Islamic Republic aims to export 1 million barrels a day through new passageway and avoid contentious and strategic shipping route

Reuters , 14:18, 07.22.21

Biden calls Jordan king a loyal ally in 'tough neighborhood'

As U.S. leader focuses efforts on Russia and China, officials say Amman could showcase leadership role in promoting peace and stability in region after rocky relationship with Trump administration

Associated Press , 23:14, 07.19.21

Saudi Arabia stages second scaled-down Hajj of coronavirus era

Pilgrimage sees only 60,000 fully vaccinated citizens and residents of the kingdom, far fewer than the vast crowds of 2.5 million that every year descend on Mecca

AFP , 14:48, 07.18.21

U.S. drone strikes truck in Syria used by Iran-backed militia

Attack comes amid increasing tensions between U.S. military and Iraqi militias, with Iranian regional proxies targeting bases housing American soldiers

Associated Press , 14:48, 07.18.21

Lebanon PM-designate steps down after months of deadlock

Saad Hariri cites 'key differences' with Lebanese President Michel Aoun; step likely to plunge stricken state into further uncertainty as it struggles to overcome political, economic, health crises

Assoicated Press , 16:46, 07.15.21

Iran not ready for nuclear talks until Raisi takes over, source says

The source says Iran had told the European officials the current round of talks to revive the 2015 deal will not resume until mid-August; U.S. State Department says they 'remain interested in seeking mutual return' to JCPOA

Reuters , 08:42, 07.15.21

Rouhani says Iran can enrich uranium to 90% purity if needed

Outgoing Iranian president in rare criticism lambasts Islamic Republic's top decision-makers for 'not allowing' his government to revive 2015 nuclear deal, according to which Tehran can refine uranium only at 3.67%

Reuters , 13:19, 07.14.21

EU to adopt sanctions regime for Lebanon leaders, France says

Reeling under political and financial turmoil, French Foreign Minister Le Drian says Levantine state has been in 'self-destruct mode' for several months

News agencies , 21:25, 07.12.21

Iran angered over U.S., European support for opposition group

Tehran slams Western politicians taking part in Berlin event called by National Council of Resistance of Iran, which it considers a terror organization for its opposition to the regime and recent election of Ebrahim Raisi as president

Associated Press , 20:50, 07.11.21

Iraqi militia commander vows to avenge deaths in U.S. strike

Abu Alaa al-Walae, commander of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, says in interview retaliation for the death of four militants in airstrike along Iraq-Syria border last month will be a 'military operation everyone will talk about'

Associated Press , 10:56, 07.06.21

France, Germany, China push to revive Iran nuclear talks

With a date for restart of negotiations in Vienna unclear, countries' leaders agree on the need to get a deal 'as soon as possible' and avoid the risk of nuclear proliferation

Associated Press , 21:24, 07.05.21

Iran's sole nuclear power plant up and running after 'technical overhaul'

Spokesperson for the country's energy ministry is quoted by state TV as saying the Bushehr power plant is back online after being unexpectedly shut down 2 weeks ago 'for repairs'; Iran earlier said it lacked tools for repairs due to U.S. sanctions

Associated Press, Reuters , 13:47, 07.03.21

Iran restricts IAEA access to main enrichment plant after attack, diplomats say

Officials say weeks-long standoff in course of being resolved but it has also raised tensions with the West as indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal have adjourned without a date set for their resumption

Reuters , 16:33, 07.01.21

UN expert backs probe into Iran's 1988 killings, Raisi's role

Iranian president-elect already under U.S. sanctions and seen as responsible for thousands of executions while serving as deputy prosecutor; investigator says mass graves destroyed in cover-up

Reuters , 18:26, 06.29.21

Undeclared conflict? America's battles with Iran-backed militia escalate, again

While White House stresses Sunday's airstrikes were designed to limit escalation and deter future operations against U.S. personnel, American officials worry country could be dragged into a direct war with Tehran

Reuters , 09:06, 06.29.21

Iran: No decision on camera deal with UN nuclear inspectors

Foreign Ministry spokesman says no decision 'either positive or negative' was made regarding the move that would limit nuclear watchdog and complicate diplomatic efforts by superpowers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal

Associated Press , 16:31, 06.28.21

Iran has drones with range of 7,000 km, Guards commander says

Though Western military analysts note Tehran's propensity to exaggerate its capabilities, Islamic Republic and regional proxies increasingly rely on UAVs across Middle East

Reuters , 22:29, 06.27.21

Sisi makes first Iraq visit by Egyptian leader in decades

Egyptian president, Jordan's King Abdullah and Iraqi leaders meet in Baghdad to discuss strengthening security, economic, trade and investment cooperation between the three nations

Reuters , 17:11, 06.27.21

Iran says nuclear site images won't be given to IAEA as deal has expired

Tehran's announcement could further complicate talks with world powers on reviving nuclear deal as it shows no haste to extend lapsed monitoring agreement

Reuters , 16:34, 06.27.21

Report: Iran says it foiled drone attack on main centrifuge plant

New York Times, quoting Iranian official, reports the targeted facility on the outskirts of Tehran was used to produce new top-of-the-line centrifuges that can enrich more uranium in a shorter time; site was named by Israeli officials during talks with Trump

Ynet , 09:32, 06.24.21

Iran says U.S. to lift oil sanctions, Germany, France cautious on matter

Rouhani's chief of staff says deal has been reached to remove 'all insurance, oil and shipping sanctions' imposed by Trump; Germany's FM in press conference with Blinken says Tehran and the powers 'still have to overcome significant hurdles'

Reuters , 17:30, 06.23.21

Iran says it foiled 'sabotage attack' on civilian nuclear center

State media says no 'loss of life or property damage' in incident at Iranian Atomic Energy Organization compound; incident comes days after country's sole nuclear power plant shut down due to 'technical fault', with repairs expected to continue at least until end of week

Reuters , 14:30, 06.23.21

Iran likely had failed rocket launch, preparing for another

After numerous botched attempts by state-run space program and successful launch by paramilitary Revolutionary Guard last year, satellite images show personal and equipment at spaceport near Tehran

Associated Press , 09:54, 06.23.21

U.S. takes down Iranian run and affiliated news sites, alleging disinformation

33 websites seized in major crackdown include pro-Hamas Palestine Today and English-language Press TV, described by ADL as 'leading dispenser of conspiratorial anti-Semitism'; notice posted by American authorities said websites were targeted 'as part of law enforcement action'

Associated Press , 09:48, 06.23.21

Iran's election unsettles Biden's hope for a nuclear deal

In-depth: Raisi looks unlikely to re-enter 2015 deal without relief of U.S. sanctions; political analysts, however, say once sanctions are lifted, Iranians won't feel any incentive to negotiate more concessions, such as support of terror proxies, ballistic missiles

Associated Press , 13:15, 06.22.21

Iran's Raisi says won't allow nuclear negotiations 'for negotiation's sake'

Islamic Republic's president-elect in his first official press conference also claims he has 'always' defended human rights despite being subject to U.S. sanctions over executions of political prisoners in 1988; says he won't meet Biden

AFP , 15:58, 06.21.21

Iran set to stay on hardline course after Raisi win, Saudi commentators say

One analyst says victory of Ebrahim Raisi in Iran's presidential elections not expected to lead to significant foreign policy changes, while another warns U.S. is 'turning its cheek' to Iran

Reuters , 13:14, 06.21.21

Iran says sole nuclear power plant shut down due to 'technical fault'

Atomic Energy Organization of Iran says the Bushehr plant was temporarily shut down and taken off the power grid a day after a technical malfunction occurred; state official confirmed the shutdown on Sunday without providing details

AFP , 08:49, 06.21.21

Iran's sole nuclear power plant undergoes emergency shutdown

Official says closure - which began on Saturday - could last 'three to four days,' warning of potential power outages across the country; Iran warned in March facility could stop working as sanctions made parts hard to get

Associated Press , 20:52, 06.20.21

Jordan's unprecedented palace drama moves to courtroom

Relative of King Abdullah II and ex-royal court chief are accused of conspiring with former crown prince Hamzah to foment unrest against the monarch while soliciting foreign help

Associated Press , 18:47, 06.20.21

Iran's ultraconservative judge leads in presidential election, says official

State TV says Ebrahim Raisi so far won 17.8 million or 62% of the vote after more than 28 million Iranians out of 59 million eligible voters cast ballots; President Rouhani and other candidates all congratulate Raisi, who enjoyed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's support

Reuters , 13:32, 06.19.21

Nuclear talks closer than ever to deal, says top Iran delegate

Islamic Republic's Araqchi says accord's parties have reached 'tangible progress on different issues' but yet to iron out details on others; nuclear watchdog chief says finalization of agreement pending formation of new government in Tehran

Reuters , 20:28, 06.17.21

Iran field narrows as candidates quit on campaign's last day

Owing in part to the disqualification of candidates by hardline leader as well as raging coronavirus pandemic, voter apathy runs deep as pollsters predict lowest ever turnout on Friday

Associated Press , 20:10, 06.16.21

Iran presidential candidate urges better ties with West

Former Iranian Central Bank chief Abdolnasser Hemmati, who previously said he was willing to possibly meet with Biden if he wins, hopes to woo reformists amid fears in Tehran of slumping voter turnout

Associated Press , 22:06, 06.15.21

Egypt upholds death sentence for 12 senior Muslim Brotherhood figures

Ruling relates to mass trial of hundreds of suspects accused of murder and incitement of violence during pro-Brotherhood protests in Cairo in the weeks after then-president Morsi's overthrow

Reuters , 21:02, 06.14.21

Jordan ex-royal court chief faces trial over alleged monarchy plot

State media says suspect formally charged with agitating to undermine the kingdom's political system and acts that threaten public security and sowing sedition; charges carry up to 30 years in prison

Reuters , 19:56, 06.13.21

Qatar's Al Jazeera network says it combated cyberattack

Doha-based satellite channel says peak of attacks came ahead of documentary detailing indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which included a voice recording purportedly of an Israeli held prisoner in Gaza

Reuters , 10:05, 06.10.21

Resigned to a nuclear deal revival, Saudi, UAE engage with foe Iran

Gulf States have stated repeatedly in the past that the 2015 accord was inadequate as it ignored Islamic Republic's missile exports and support for regional proxy fighters

Reuters , 22:30, 06.09.21

Iran nuclear deal rescue needs more time, envoys say ahead of fresh talks

Diplomats say negotiations in Vienna may require weeks or possibly months to accommodate Iranian demands about sanctions relief and Western concerns over Tehran expanding nuclear know-how

Reuters , 23:12, 06.08.21

Hezbollah's Nasrallah reassures on health after rumors of severe illness

In a televised speech, Lebanese terror outfit leader thanks those who had asked after him after he was seen coughing and choking repeatedly in his last public appearance, says was suffering from allergies

Reuters, Ynet , 19:38, 06.08.21

U.S.: Unclear if Iran wants to return to nuclear deal

Secretary of state tells House Foreign Affairs Committee, that Tehran could cut its nuclear breakout time to mere weeks if it keeps breaching 2015 agreement to restrict its atomic activity; international talks on return to pact to resume this week

AFP , 07:32, 06.08.21

Iran cleric who founded Hezbollah, survived book bomb, dies of coronavirus

Ali Akbar Mohtashamipour, who lost right hand in assassination attempt attributed to Israel, formed alliances with Muslim militant groups across Mideast, helping found Islamic Republic's Revolutionary Guard and Lebanese terror group

Associated Press , 21:20, 06.07.21

Iran presidential hopefuls trade blame over economic woes

Ultraconservative judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi is widely seen as a favorite to win June 18 election; Iranian media express concern over low voter turnout after 57% of Iranians stayed away from last year's parliamentary elections

AFP , 12:18, 06.06.21

EU official sees Iran nuclear deal at next round of talks

With negotiations to restart the 2015 accord set to resume on June 10, diplomats for E3 — made up of UK, France and Germany — strike a more cautious tone about a possible breakthrough, saying 'most difficult decisions lie ahead'

Reuters , 10:28, 06.03.21

Jordan to try 2 coup plot suspects, both close to Saudi Arabia

Eighteen people were arrested after authorities on April 3 announced they had foiled a bid to destabilize the kingdom, with former crown prince Hamza among those suspected of involvement

AFP , 20:49, 06.02.21

Lebanon's top Christian cleric berates politicians as deadlock drags on

National leaders have been at loggerheads over cabinet positions since October, preventing formation of government that is desperately needed to enact reforms and unlock foreign aid for the financially devastated nation

Reuters , 19:44, 06.02.21

Iran's largest navy ship catches fire, sinks in Gulf of Oman

Iranian news agencies say fire on board the Kharg breaks out during naval maneuvers in the straits of Hormuz, used to transport one fifth of the worlds oil supply; crew reported to have been evaccuated to safety

Ynet, Agencies , 10:22, 06.02.21

World Bank: Lebanon's crisis among world's worst since 1850s

International financial institution says that since late 2019, country has been facing compounded challenges, including largest peace-time economic and financial crisis, spread of coronavirus and massive blast at Beirut's port last year

Associated Press , 14:37, 06.01.21

Mystery surrounds Hezbollah chief's health as rumors swirl

Days after Hassan Nasrallah appeared weak, with persistent cough in televised speech, reports from Lebanon include claims he is unconscious and hospitalized in secret medical facility; Iran-backed group insists that its leader is healthy

Smadar Peri , 11:28, 06.01.21

Iran fails to explain uranium traces found at several sites, IAEA report says

UN atomic watchdog's chief voices concern Tehran has not clarified queries over sites where undeclared nuclear activity may have occurred, alluding to lack of cooperation with officials at Iranian facilities

News agencies , 21:27, 05.31.21

IAEA head calls Iran's nuclear program 'very concerning'

Director general of UN nuclear watchdog warns Financial Times that Islamic Republic is enriching uranium at 60% - purity levels that 'only countries making bombs are reaching'

Reuters , 09:19, 05.26.21