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Images show Iran satellite launch looms despite US criticism

The semi-official Mehr news agency quoted Jahromi on Aug. 13 as saying that the Nahid-1 was ready to be delivered to Iran's Defense Ministry, signaling a launch date for the satellite was likely imminent. Iran's National Week of Government, during which Tehran often inaugurates new projects, begins Aug. 24

Associated Press , 22:20 , 08.18.19

Saudi Arabia taps into a long-sidelined asset - its women

Changes in traditionally conservative kingdom mean women will soon be able to obtain a passport without being required to first have the consent of a male relative and will have the same rights as men in matters of work, leisure, finance, law and health

The Media Line , 23:35 , 08.07.19

Aleppo's centuries-old bazaar making slow recovery

Years of Syrian civil war have left the UNESCO world heritage site in tatters, and its network of covered markets severely damaged, but planners are hoping that by getting some shops back open, eventually they can re-inject life into the souks

Associated Press , 21:16 , 08.07.19

Iran: Further breach of nuclear deal in one month unless Europeans act

Tehran stockpiling enriched uranium, heavy water above limits agreed after Trump quit 2015 agreement last year and reimposed sanctions; Iranians could restart centrifuges, begin higher-grade enrichment as they rap 'inaction' of European signatories to preserve deal

Reuters , 20:15 , 08.05.19

Iran seizes foreign oil tanker smuggling fuel in Gulf, state media says

Revolutionary Guards commander says naval forces took vessel as it was carrying 700,000 liters of fuel to Arab countries, does not elaborate on identity of ship or nationalities of detained crew

Reuters , 18:43 , 08.04.19

Iran and UAE hold talks on maritime security

An official said the meetings focused on issues related to border security and navigation in shared waters, describing the talks as “nothing new” and unrelated to current tensions. The official said there were periodic meetings scheduled between technical teams

Associated Press , 16:12 , 07.31.19

U.S. renews Iran sanctions waivers

The Washington Post reports the Treasury Department asked for more time to consider the effects of possible sanctions on Russian, Chinese and European companies

Reuters , 12:13 , 07.31.19

Iran says meeting with parties to nuclear deal "constructive"

Parties to the agreement - Britain, Germany and France plus Russia and China - met Iranian officials for talks called in response to an escalation in tensions between Iran and the West that included confrontations at sea and Tehran's breaches of the nuclear accord

Reuters , 20:41 , 07.28.19

Britain begins escorting all UK vessels through Hormuz Strait

'Freedom of navigation is crucial for the global trading system and world economy, and we will do all we can to defend it,' says UK government spokesman; about a fifth of the world's oil passes through strait, and shipping companies are already deploying more unarmed security guards as an extra safeguard

Reuters , 18:01 , 07.25.19

Iran’s president hints at quid pro quo for seized U.K. ship

Rouhani says Iran does not 'seek the continuation of tension with some European countries,' and 'will receive a proportional response from Iran' if they are 'committed to international frameworks and give up their wrong actions, including what they did in Gibraltar'

Associated Press , 16:47 , 07.24.19

UK: Europe-led mission will protect vital shipping in Gulf

Britain's foreign secretary accuses Tehran of 'piracy' over seizure of British-flagged tanker; Iranian naval chief says Iran observes all U.S. ships in Gulf, has archive of their daily movements

Associated Press , 11:03 , 07.23.19

Iran says 17 CIA spies in custody, some already sentenced to death

Iranian intel official tells reporters that arrests took place over past months, those detained worked on 'sensitive sites' in military and nuclear facilities ; Trump dismisses Tehran claim as 'totally false'

Associated Press , 17:50 , 07.22.19

Jared Kushner to finalize Palestinian economic plan on Middle East tour

Palestinians poured scorn on the Trump administration's $50 billion investment plan to help achieve Middle East peace, but U.S. Gulf Arab allies said the economic initiative had promise if a political settlement is reached

Reuters , 08:14 , 07.22.19

Iran: UK must rein in 'political forces' amid tensions over seized tanker

Britain said planning sanctions on Tehran in aftermath of seizure of British-operated tanker; all 23 crew of vessel are safe, Iranian TV says; Stena Bulk, the ship's Sweden-based owner, says it is preparing a formal request to visit the crew

Reuters , 10:48 , 07.21.19

Some Iranian women take off hijabs as hard-liners push back

'I have to confess it is really, really scary,' says 30-year-old woman who sometimes moves in Tehran’s streets without a compulsory headscarf, 'they run after us, but can't catch us,' she claims

Associated Press , 18:38 , 07.20.19

Iran says UK-flagged tanker was in accident with Iranian fishing boat

State-run news agency says the boat's distress call was ignored by the Stena Impero ship and all its 23 crew members will remain on the vessel until Tehran's investigation into the incident is complete

Reuters , 09:39 , 07.20.19

Iranian forces say they seized British-flagged oil tanker in Gulf

UK condemns seizure, Trump says he is to discuss events with London; Iran warned of retaliation after UK navy took Iranian ship earlier July

Reuters , 23:39 , 07.19.19

U.S. fears Iran siezed UAE tanker

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said his country will retaliate over the seizure of an Iranian supertanker carrying 2.1 million barrels of light crude oil adding 'God willing, the Islamic Republic and its committed forces will not leave this evil without a response'

Associated Press , 08:38 , 07.17.19

Iran confirms arrest of French-Iranian scholar, gives no details

Adelkhah, a senior research fellow at Sciences Po university in Paris, was arrested in June by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, news website IranWire reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources while access to her still denied to consular staff

Reuters , 15:15 , 07.16.19

Tensions rise in Gulf as US, UK up their forces

Many are worried the continued face-off will lead to 'tanker war' similar to that which took place in the '80s during the 8-year Iran-Iraq War, when that conflict - as well as one between the Americans and the Islamic Republic led to many similar vessels being attacked

The Media LIne , 08:30 , 07.15.19

Rouhani says Iran ready to talk to U.S. if sanctions lifted

France, Britain and Germany all parties to the 2015 pact said on Sunday, they were preoccupied by the escalation of tensions in the Gulf region and the risk the nuclear deal might fall apart as they called for dialogue betewen the parties

Reuters , 19:45 , 07.14.19

UK paper: Envoy says Trump quit Iran deal to spite Obama

British ambassador at center of diplomatic row over leaked memos slamming 'inept' U.S. administration also said White House was 'set upon an act of diplomatic vandalism' regards the nuclear agreement due to its broker

News Agencies , 12:56 , 07.14.19

U.S. defense officials: Iran attempts to seize British tanker foiled

U.S. officials say The Royal Navy HMS Montrose, which was on sight, pointed its guns at the boats and warned them over radio, at which point they dispersed"

Reuters , 08:15 , 07.11.19

U.S. sanctions on Hezbollah are 'assault' on Lebanon says lawmaker

Lebanese parliament speaker lashes out on the American government for putting two Hezbollah members of Lebanon's parliament as well as one security agencies coordinator on its sanctions blacklist, claiming it's an attack on the entire country

Reuters , 13:31 , 07.10.19

U.S. wants military coalition to safeguard waters off Iran, Yemen

The U.S proposal for an international coalition to safeguard shipping in the Strait, at the mouth of the Gulf, has been gaining momentum since attacks in May and June against oil tankers in Gulf waters.

Reuters , 09:52 , 07.10.19

U.S. puts Hezbollah lawmakers on sanctions blacklist for first time

Treasury official says group uses operatives in Lebanese parliament to manipulate institutions in support of its financial and security interests, bolster Iran's malign activities; blacklist forbids Americans and businesses with American branches from doing business with those sanctioned

AFP , 22:24 , 07.09.19

Syrians return to their home by Lebanese border

It was to this district that government offices were moved once the fighting ended in mid-2013. Most of those who already returned are state employees and their families.

Reuters , 20:00 , 07.07.19

Lebanese town bans Muslims from buying, renting property

Hadat's Christian citizens are prohibited from selling or renting properties to Muslims; 'It's unacceptable that Lebanese citizens cannot live wherever they want in the country,' says a leading journalist, while a resident claims they just 'want to preserve our village or what remains of it'

Associated Press , 09:53 , 07.05.19

Iraqi PM takes a gamble with move on Iran-backed militias

In advance of his trip to Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Mahdi is seen as making the right gestures to please his hosts but there is no reason to believe his policies regarding the Shiite militia's freedom to operate will actually change

Reuters , 22:11 , 07.04.19

Iran to boost uranium enrichment level in new challenge for nuclear pact

Tehran to raise fissile purity of enriched uranium after July 7, plans to return Arak heavy-water reactor to previous uses, as nuclear deal with world powers frays further

Reuters , 09:09 , 07.04.19

Trump is 'very fond' of Palestinian President Abbas, willing to engage on peace plan: Kushner

White House adviser hinted a peace plan might call on Palestinian refugees to settle where they are and not return to lands now in Israel; 'our door is always open to the Palestinian leadership,' Kushner says

Reuters , 21:35 , 07.03.19

Rouhani: Iran will enrich uranium to 'any amount we want'

Iranian president calls on Europe and U.S. to return to 'respecting the law and resolutions of the UN Security Council,' so that 'all of us can abide by the nuclear deal'; 2015 agreement brokered by Obama and rejected by Trump bars Tehran from enriching uranium above 3.67%

Associated Press , 13:32 , 07.03.19

Iranians say US sanctions hurt people, not government

In Tehran's Grand Bazaar, all agree that American sanctions hurt the average person, not those in charge; ' they should think about the Iranian people and the Iranian society,' says young teacher, while another adds that 'instead of the nuclear program, the Iranian people need bread'

Associated Press , 21:14 , 07.02.19

France urges Iran to reverse nuclear move, China hits at U.S. pressure

Iranian FM says no violation of 2015 accord, Iran exercising right to respond to U.S. abandonment of deal last year; Macron says he intends to fully respect accord, asks Tehran to avoid all extra measures that would put into question its nuclear commitments

Reuters , 14:33 , 07.02.19

Iran rejects U.S. accusation it long violated nuclear deal

Head of Arms Control Association calls White House charge 'illogical,' says Iranian breach is political move aimed at pressuring EU, China and Russia to compensate it for serious damage to its economy from American sanctions imposed by Trump

Reuters , 08:53 , 07.02.19

Jordanian princess and junior wife of Dubai's ruler escapes with £31 million

Princess Haya Bint al Hussein is said to have gone to Germany and is demanding divorce; Human rights organizations also demand information regarding the whereabouts of UAE prime minister's daughter, missing after a failed escape from palace

Smadar Perry , 15:47 , 07.01.19

Iran said to breach nuclear deal's stockpile limit

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said: "Iran will never yield to pressure from the United States ; If they want to talk to Iran, they should show respect

Reuters , 14:44 , 07.01.19

Many sticks, few carrots: Trump's Palestinian policy

Since taking office on the U.S. president has been consistent in his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, adopting Netanyahu's positions and thereby ending the American role of honest broker

Reuters , 14:35 , 06.28.19

U.S. defense chief seeks to rally NATO allies on Iran as tensions simmer

Making his international debut as Pentagon chief at NATO headquarters, Mark Esper urges countries to 'voice their opposition to Iran's bad behavior and to help us deter further provocative acts by improving maritime security' in the Gulf

Reuters , 22:46 , 06.27.19

Iranians say their 'bones breaking' under U.S. sanctions, but regime shares the blame

Inflation is over 37%, more than 3 million working-age people are unemployed and depreciation and inflation are making everything - from fruit and vegetables to big-ticket items like mobile phones - more expensive; now the citizens of Iran are sick of the government for attributing 'every problem' to American punitive measures

Associated Press , 21:30 , 06.24.19

Trump imposes new U.S. sanctions on Iran, including supreme leader

President says measures are partly in response to Iranian interception of American spy drone last week, but were in works anyway; Pompeo discusses Islamic Republic, maritime security with rich Gulf Arab allies during trip to region

Reuters , 19:28 , 06.24.19

Opposition delivers blow to Erdogan with Istanbul mayoral win

The results are likely to trigger a new chapter in Turkish politics, now that the country's top three cities now held by the opposition; cracks could also emerge within ruling AKP, bringing economic troubles more to the fore

Reuters , 16:18 , 06.24.19

Trump: I could be Iran's 'best friend,' but military action still possible

U.S. president 'very much appreciates' Iranian decision not to shoot down American plane carrying 30 people, says when Tehran agrees not to build nuclear weapons, 'they are going to have a wealthy country'

Associated Press , 10:16 , 06.23.19

Trump says he aborted retaliatory strike to spare Iranian lives

U.S. President tweets he's in no hurry to launch a strike since economic sanctions designed to force Iran to curb its nuclear and missile programs were having an effect

Reuters , 18:48 , 06.21.19

US prepped for strikes on Iran before approval was withdrawn

A Thursday U.S. strike against Iran in retaliation for the downing of a surveillance drone was canceled with just hours to go; targets would have included radars and missile batteries

AP , 09:22 , 06.21.19

In Lebanon, Syrian refugees face new pressure to go home

After eight years of Syrian civil war, calls for the displaced refugees to leave Lebanon are growing, among them is Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, a rising star in local politics whose rhetoric echoes anti-migrant sentiment in Europe

Reurters , 08:56 , 06.21.19

In rebuff to Trump, Palestinian businesses call for freedom, not cash

The Palestinian position is always that anybody who wants to solve the Palestinian problem must solve it through ending occupation, and the establishment of a Palestinian state

Reuters , 23:24 , 06.20.19

U.S.: Iran lying, downed drone was in international airspace

The army issues official statement, confirming what they say was 'an unprovoked attack on a U.S. surveillance asset in international airspace,' Iranians, meanwhile, insist the UAV was over the country's territory and call the downing 'a message' to its enemy

Reuters , 15:25 , 06.20.19

U.S. sources confirm Iran shot down American drone

Iran's state news agency claims the drone was shot down when it entered the country's airspace over the province of Hormozgan; U.S. official says the drone, Navy MQ-4C Triton, was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile

Reuters , 08:41 , 06.20.19

U.S. Navy says mine fragments suggest Iran behind Gulf tanker attack

Washington seeks to build international case for isolating Tehran, as European powers aim to avert war but warn time running out; Tehran says won't give Europe more time to save nuclear deal

Reuters , 19:08 , 06.19.19

U.S. set to send 1,000 troops to Middle East in faceoff with Iran

Fears of Iranian-American clash mounting since last week's attack on two oil tankers in Gulf of Oman, which Washington blamed on Tehran, as Iran warns time running out to preserve nuclear deal

Reuters , 10:11 , 06.18.19

Egypt's ousted president Morsi buried under heavy security after courtroom death

67-year-old former leader laid to rest in Cairo after authorities refuse burial in family cemetery in hometown; state TV says Morsi, who was ousted and jailed in 2013, died of heart attack; Muslim Brotherhood accuses government of assassination through poor prison conditions

Associated Press , 09:24 , 06.18.19

Islamist Morsi briefly made history as Egypt's first democratically elected president

The leader of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, son of a peasant farmer from a village in the Nile Delta, broke out of jail 2011 and became president the following year; a year after that, he was behind bars again, and remained there until his death

Reuters , 23:32 , 06.17.19

Egypt TV says ousted president Morsi dies in court

67-year-old Morsi from outlawed Muslim Brotherhood collapsed and died during a court session on espionage charges

Associated Press, Ynet , 19:22 , 06.17.19

Iran says it will break uranium stockpile limit in 10 days

Announcement indicates Tehran's determination to break from the landmark 2015 accord, which has steadily unraveled since Trump administration pulled out of the deal last year and re-imposed tough economic sanctions, sending Iranian economy into freefall

Associated Press , 12:40 , 06.17.19

Saudi seeks oil supply protection as U.S. and Iran face off

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said his country does not want war but will not hesitate to deal with threat to kingdom or vital interests

Reuters , 08:59 , 06.16.19

Iran has accelerated enrichment of uranium, IAEA says

Head of UN atomic watchdog says Tehran now producing more enriched uranium than before, but unclear when it might reach previous stockpile limits; German FM, in Iranian capital, warns situation in region 'highly explosive and extremely serious'

Reuters , 17:16 , 06.10.19

Germany: EU plan to bypass U.S. sanctions on Iran soon operational

German FM Maas to meet Rouhani, Zarif in Tehran as Berlin, London and Paris move to salvage nuclear deal; Iran wants Europeans to do more to protect trade, declines to discuss missile program

Reuters , 11:32 , 06.10.19

Iran reinforces morality police force amid crackdown on violation of 'Islamic principles'

Pilots units comprised of women become 'resistance groups for verbal and practical response to bad-hijabi women' in north-eastern province; Hundreds of Tehran restaurants shut down for breaking religious customs

i24NEWS , 09:01 , 06.09.19

'A great betrayal of the Islamic world': Iran urges Gulf rivals not to back US peace plan

Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei slams Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for supporting U.S. Middle East peace plan in live address during Eid al-Fitr prayers, ahead of economic workshop initiated by U.S., boycotted by Palestinians

i24NEWS , 23:36 , 06.05.19

Palestinian public furious over secret 67% pay raise for ministers

Leaks of salary hikes come during Ramadan, a time of great expense for struggling families, renewing outrage among Palestinians who have long seen their leaders as out of touch and rife with corruption

Associated Press , 20:49 , 06.05.19

As UN budget dries up, Palestinian classrooms swell in size

The effects of U.S. aid cuts have rippled throughout UNRWA's operations, but its sprawling school system, serving 500,000 children across the Middle East, has been hit hardest, average class sizes in the West Bank have grown from 30 students a year ago to 50

Associated Press , 21:25 , 06.03.19

Iraq's racy TV in Ramadan revives an industry - and draws censure

Muslim fast month is typically a time when families and friends across Mideast gather around televisions after evening meal; this year, a series about a seedy hostel shocked some viewers with scenes of massages, alcohol and drugs, but is also seen a sign that normal life is returning

Reuters , 09:18 , 05.25.19

Driven out of Mideast, ISIS sets up shop in India, Pakistan

Amaq news agency says Pakistan stronghold already caused casualties among Indian soldiers in Kashmir; India police also confirm presence of ISIS fighters in contested border area

The Media Line , 18:57 , 05.24.19

War-torn Idlib back at forefront of Assad regime hunt for rebels

Latest Syrian government offensive ends months of relative calm in the area as it resumes the war, meanwhile it is also creating new refugees and possibly more tensions with Turkey

The Media Line , 17:18 , 05.23.19

Documents offer rare look inside Syrian government crackdown

Documents obtained by Washington-based Syria Justice and Accountability Center show how Bashar Assad's shadowy security agencies spied on the populace at large, sought to eliminate dissidents through detention, intimidation or killings and systematically persecuted Kurdish minority even before the onset of the 2011 uprising against Assad

Associated Press , 17:31 , 05.21.19

Iran: Today's situation isn't suitable for talks, resistance is our only choice

President Rouhani's statement comes following Trump's warning to the Islamic Republic, saying attacks on American interests in the region would be met with 'great force'

Reuters , 08:40 , 05.21.19

Palestinians to shun U.S.-led economic conference, say they weren't consulted

June 25-26 event in Bahrain meant to help West Bank, Gaza investment seen as unveiling of first stage of Trump peace proposal; Palestinian minister: Anyone taking part would be nothing but collaborator for Americans and Israel

Reuters , 19:50 , 05.20.19

Trump: Conflict would be 'official end' of Iran

Rhetoric follows sabotage of Saudi oil tankers, rocket launch into Baghdad's embassy row — both attributed to Iran, proxies; Iran's arch-adversary Saudi Arabia calls Gulf and Arab leaders to convene emergency summit in Mecca

Reuters , 08:45 , 05.20.19

Once again, Iraq caught up in tensions between US and Iran

'Iraq is worried that American forces on its soil could be targeted by factions loyal to Iran,' says unnamed Iraqi official; Baghdad, who is allied with both sides, fears of becoming arena of yet another Mideast conflict

Associated Press , 14:26 , 05.19.19

Minister: Iran builds firewall against Stuxnet computer virus

'Iranian scientists developed a firewall for industrial automation systems to neutralize industrial sabotage such as that caused by Stuxnet in power networks, and it was successfully tested' -Comm. minister

Reuters , 23:17 , 05.16.19

US in new push to resolve Israel-Lebanon sea border dispute

Lebanese President Aoun told US officials that Lebanese officials have a 'unified stance' regarding the demarcation of the maritime border between Lebanon and Israel

Associated Press , 23:09 , 05.15.19

Report: Iran halts some commitments under nuclear deal

Islamic Republic's national security council apparently ordered to stop complying with the 2015 agreement with world powers which allowed Tehran to produce low-enriched uranium with a 300-kg limit; sources say Iran has no limit from now for production

Reuters , 09:08 , 05.15.19

Saudi Arabia says its oil infrastructure attacked by drones

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih: drones attacked petroleum pumping station running to Red Sea port amid heightened regional tensions with Iran; oil infrastructure sites in Riyadh region also targeted

Associated Press , 18:24 , 05.14.19

US moving Patriot missile battery to Mideast to counter Iran

The Pentagon decides to move the missile battery - meant to intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircrafts - into the region after receiving intelligence that Iranian military is planning an attack on US targets and interests in the area

Associated Press , 09:32 , 05.11.19

Gaza violence exposes deep Israel-Turkey divide

During the recent flare-up, Israel destroyed a building housing the Gaza office of Turkish a news agency; while the Turkish government supports the Muslim Brotherhood, of which Hamas is an offshoot, bursts of violence deepens the rift between Jerusalem and its Middle Eastern neighbor

The Media line , 13:39 , 05.10.19

Iran says it will resume higher uranium enrichment if new deal isn't reached

Iranian president sets 60-day deadline to negotiate new terms of its nuclear deal with remaining partners in the agreement, while admitting the current situation is 'dire' after US restored crippling economic sanctions on Islamic Republic

Associated Press , 09:17 , 05.08.19

US-Iran tensions rise ahead of anniversary of deal pullout

Rouhani reportedly plans to broadcast a statement about the “counteractions” Tehran will take on Wednesday, on the nuclear deal pullout anniversary, following the sudden statement that the USS Abraham Lincoln will be deployed in the Persian Gulf

Associated Press , 10:21 , 05.07.19

US dispatches aircraft carrier over unspecified Iran threats

National security adviser John Bolton said U.S. deploying USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a bomber task force to Mideast in response to 'troubling and escalatory indications

Associated Press , 20:40 , 05.06.19

How Trump's hawkish advisors won debate on Iran oil sanctions

US president's decision to cancel sanctions waivers for Iranian oil importers - effectively severing the Islamic Republic's financial lifeline - was made amid strong objections of some State Department officials; 'No one's actually tried to take this all the way to zero'

Reuters , 10:04 , 05.03.19

Trump oil sanctions go into effect while debate on move continues

Concerns voiced over oil prices rising but all-time-high oil production, administration official hope, will hold prices down

Reuters , 08:25 , 05.01.19

Iran's leaders defiant in face of US sanctions, want Trump apology

Supreme Leader Khamenei and President Rouhani went on the offensive, saying the country will export as much oil as it needs despite Trump's decision to end sanctions waivers; claim Saudi Arabia and the UAE owe their existence to the Islamic Republic

Reuters , 15:50 , 04.24.19

Iranian leader appoints new Revolutionary Guards chief

Hossein Salami - who has vowed to wipe 'Zionist regime off political map' - now heads Islamic Republic's elite military force following an appointment by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, just days after US designated the group a terror organization

Reuters , 20:26 , 04.21.19

Australia grandmother tracks down her grandchildren in Syria refugee camp

Karen Nettleton travels across the world to find the orphaned children left behind by her daughter and her Islamic State husband who took them to Mideast in 2013; Canberra government says it is 'working quietly behind scenes' and in 'close contact' with family

AFP , 13:17 , 04.16.19

U.S. declares Iran's Revolutionary Guards terrorist organization

For the first time in history, Washington has declared a branch of another country’s government as a terror group; measure could mean fresh sanctions on Islamic Republic; furious Tehran replies in kind for American forces in Mideast

Associated Press , 19:28 , 04.08.19

Saudis making financial amends for Khashoggi murder

The children of Saudi dissident journalist, who was killed at Saudi mission in Istanbul in October, have reportedly accepted a diya – compensation paid under Islamic law to murder victim or heirs - in the form of money and homes

The Media Line , 11:08 , 04.08.19

Brunei invokes laws allowing stoning for gay sex, adultery

New Islamic criminal laws that took effect Wednesday trigger outcry from countries, rights groups and celebrities far beyond the tiny Southeast Asian nation’s shores

Associated Press , 14:21 , 04.03.19

US envoy: Three waiver countries cut Iran oil imports to zero

Official says Trump administration not issuing any more exceptions to initial eight nations who could buy Iranian oil, but current ones could be extended

Reuters , 10:15 , 04.03.19

UAE official urges Arab openness to Israel

UAE foreign minister calls the decision to ban contact with Israel 'very, very wrong,' expects increased contact between Arab world and Jewish state; 'in 15 years' time, discussions will revolve around equal rights in one state,' he says of Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Reuters , 23:30 , 03.28.19

Opponents say Egypt's constitutional changes will cement "absolute rule"

Al- Sisi's opposition protests constitutional changes that could allow him to stay in power until 2034, say they were subject to smear campaigns and intimidation; majority of lawmakers support initial bill, if final version is accepted a national referendum will follow

Reuters , 21:48 , 03.28.19

Syria seeks urgent Security Council meeting on US declaration on Golan

Damascus slams 'flagrant violation of the relevant Security Council's resolution by a permanent member-state'; French presidency does not immediately schedule session as diplomats say request will be discussed

AFP , 10:19 , 03.27.19

Turkey inaugurates mysterious archaeological ritual site in bid to draw tourists

A 12,000-year-old Neolithic shrine site with bizarre animal-shaped pillars baffles researchers; will Erdogan be able to make this site, perhaps the world’s oldest temple, draw tourists to a forsaken area by the Syrian border?

The Media Line , 11:41 , 03.23.19

Pompeo heads to Lebanon, where Hezbollah is at peak strength

Secretary of State will meet with close allies of terror group in Lebanese government as well as Hariri, a Western ally who has been reluctant to confront the Iran-backed organization; officials say Washington, which backs a coalition of groups opposed to Hezbollah, has to avoid pushing Lebanon to the brink

Associated Press , 14:49 , 03.21.19

Iran demands US leave Syria, as Damascus threatens American ally

Iran flaunted its ties with Damascus as the two demanded the U.S. withdraws its troops from Syria and threatened to defeat Washington's Kurdish allies

Reuters , 19:58 , 03.18.19

Iran's president urges Iranians to 'put all your curses' on Israel, US

Hassan Rouhani says 'the United States, the Zionists and Saudi Arabia' are to blame for the Islamic Republic's recent financial woes; comments come amid criticism leveled at his government amid spiraling economy

Associated Press , 13:24 , 03.18.19

Iran's oil tanker fleet being squeezed as sanctions bite

Islamic Republic is having trouble expanding its tankers fleet, as countries are removing Iranian ships from their registry due to renewed US sanctions; tankers are critical for Iran as oil accounts for 70% of the country's revenue

Reuters , 17:09 , 03.14.19

Revolutionary Guards' Soleimani flexes political muscle

The general's success in operations beyond Iran's borders, in particular in shoring up Assad's rule in Syria, have made him instrumental in the steady spreading of Iranian influence in the Middle East

Reuters , 17:40 , 03.05.19

Iran reveals FM wanted to resign over Assad visit to Tehran

Syrian president's trip to Iran’s capital last week is what prompted Javad Zarif to quit his post as foreign minister since he reportedly was not informed about the visit by the Islamic Republic's officials

Reuters , 11:45 , 03.05.19

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 , 02.27.19

By ‘not bargaining’ on constitution Assad risks little

A stalled reform process won’t produce another civil war because the Syrian dictator is firmly in control, analysts contend.

The Media Line , 23:11 , 02.25.19