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Senior Iranian nuclear scientist assassinated near Tehran

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who Prime Minister Netanyahu exposed in 2018 as a key figure in the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program and was dubbed the 'father of the Iranian bomb', was killed in a shooting at his vehicle

Daniel Salami , 17:21 , 11.27.20

UAE eases limits on foreign ownership to attract investors

Overhaul signals yet another startling change for the federation after it announced a series of reforms to its Islamic legal code, allowing unmarried couples to cohabitate, improving protections for women and loosening restrictions on alcohol consumption

Associated Press , 17:54 , 11.23.20

Iran candidate tells AP: US attack risks 'full-fledged war'

Dehghan, a candidate for the Iranian presidency says his country not interested in war but equally uninterested in negotiations for negotiations' sake and must never include Iran's missile program which he calls a deterrent to the Islamic Republic's adversaries

Associated Press , 19:07 , 11.19.20

Virus threat 'a new terror' in Syria’s scarred Idlib region

At one of two coronavirus hospitals in the war-ravaged province, overwhelmed doctors tend to patients drifting in and out of consciousness, as daily cases climb to over 500, so does demand for beds in ICUs

Associated Press , 15:40 , 11.19.20

U.S. senators seek to stop Trump's $23 billion in arms sales to UAE

Lawmakers say Trump administration circumvented the normal review process, worry deal seen as linked to Abu Dhabi's normalization pact with Israel could start dangerous arms race in the region

Reuters , 09:12 , 11.19.20

U.S. imposes fresh Iran sanctions, targets Khamenei-linked foundation

U.S. Treasury Department says sanctions part of 'maximum pressure' campaign against key patronage network for Iran's Supreme Leader, as well as on dozens of Iranian bigwigs, including the country's intel chief

Reuters , 18:04 , 11.18.20

UN: Iran feeds uranium gas into advanced centrifuges underground

Report by International Atomic Energy Agency also says Tehran had installed a cascade, an interlinked cluster, of advanced IR-2m machines underground at its main nuclear site Natanz

Reuters , 16:31 , 11.18.20

Crisis-weary Beirut residents defy new lockdown despite COVID surge

As daily infections rise above 1,000 and with over 100,000 cases since start of pandemic, Lebanese government orders two-week shutdown, including a 5pm to 5am curfew on Sundays

Reuters , 18:44 , 11.17.20

Lebanese artist turns blast debris into symbol of hope

Following the explosion at Beirut's port, social activist Hayat Nazer joins debris clearing efforts in the city, strolling the streets for weeks, collecting rubble and materials to use in her sculptures and art

Reuters , 17:58 , 11.16.20

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem dies at 79

Career diplomat who served as ambassador to Washington for nine years, starting in 1990 during Syria’s on-and-off peace talks with Israel, was close confidant of Assad known for loyalty, hardline position against opposition

Associated Press , 08:35 , 11.16.20

Egypt finds treasure trove of over 100 sarcophagi

Adorned sealed wooden coffins found in underground shafts at the sweeping Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo - a vast burial site belonging to the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis

AFP , 22:49 , 11.15.20

UN: Iran uranium stockpile violates atomic deal

IAEA reports Iran has continuing to enrich uranium to a purity of up to 4.5%, higher than the 3.67% allowed under the JCPOA after it announced all violations in advance after U.S. pulled out of nuclear deal

Associated Press , 22:54 , 11.11.20

Assad blames West for hindering return of refugees to Syria

Comments by Syrian president came after Russia-organized summit boycotted by Arab and Western countries and criticized by the UN and U.S., who insist first priority be making war-torn country safe for return

Associated Press , 21:56 , 11.11.20

Bahrain's long-serving prime minister dies at age 84

State-run news agency announces the death without elaborating on the cause; official mourning has been declared for a week and funeral will be limited to a specific number of relatives

Associated Press, Reuters , 10:45 , 11.11.20

U.S. imposes Iran-related sanctions on individuals, companies

Treasury Department accuses entities of facilitating procurement of sensitive goods for Iran Communication Industries - an Iranian military firm blacklisted by Washington and the EU

Reuters , 21:01 , 11.10.20

Iran, Lebanon to impose lockdowns, curfews as virus surges

Tehran to impose national nightly curfew on businesses, while Lebanon heads into a two-week, nationwide closure later this week as both countries battle a major surge in infections

Associated Press , 18:02 , 11.10.20

Shifting militant tactics curb development in Egypt's North Sinai

Pockets of instability persist despite intensified military campaign against a militant group loyal to Islamic State, supported by local Bedouins complaining of marginalization by Cairo

Reuters , 12:27 , 11.09.20

Iraq's pro-Iran factions see smoother sailing with Biden at helm

Iraqi factions supported by Tehran are hoping the President-elect could roll back Trump's policies, which included bombing hardline groups and slapping sanctions on pro-Iran figures

AFP , 09:41 , 11.09.20

Iran says Biden should make up for Trump's mistakes

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani calls on president-elect, who vowed to rejoin 2015 nuclear accord, to reverse Trump's 'damaging policies' that include sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy

Reuters , 17:43 , 11.08.20

Mideast heads for policy revamp under Biden

Experts say America's president-elect may reverse some of Trump's unconventional decisions, which include withdrawing from Iran nuclear deal and moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

AFP , 16:36 , 11.08.20

Turkey condemns French caricature featuring Erdogan

Anger at the caricature added fuel to a row between Turkey and France about cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad, which flared after a teacher who had shown pupils the cartoons in a lesson on freedom of speech was beheaded in France this month

Reuters , 11:56 , 10.28.20

Satellite photos show construction at Iran nuclear site

Images by San Francisco-based Planet Labs show Islamic Republic is beginning a possible reconstruction of the damaged enrichment facility in Natanz facility

Associated Press , 09:38 , 10.28.20

Hariri named as Lebanon's new prime minister

Nine months after his resignation, Lebanon's President Aoun taps Sunni Muslim politician once more to form a new government to tackle the country's worst crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war

Reuters , 17:58 , 10.22.20

IMF: Nearly all Mideast economies hit by pandemic recession

International financial body warns global economy will shrink by 4.4% in 2020, the worst annual plunge since the Great Depression, projects Israel's GDP will shrink by 5.8%, more than any other developed economy

Associated Press , 13:55 , 10.19.20

UN arms embargoes on Iran expire despite U.S. objections

A travel ban on a number of Iranian military and paramilitary Revolutionary Guard members also comes to an end; Washington warns of sanctions against individuals or entities contributing weapons, training or material to Tehran

Associated Press , 19:57 , 10.18.20

Iran admits cyberattacks on government departments

State-run media says 'important' attacks occurred Tuesday and Wednesday, does not disclose which departments were targeted but says confirms other departments temporarily took down online services as precaution against further strikes

Associated Press , Ynet , 14:17 , 10.15.20

Assad makes rare visit to areas hit by fires in west Syria

State media says Syrian president made a unusual public appearance in hometown province of Latakia, which suffered heavy damage in last week’s deadly wildfires that killed three people

Associated Press , 18:26 , 10.13.20

Iran's nuclear chief contracts coronavirus

Ali Akbar Salehi joins line of senior Islamic Republic officials who have been infected with pathogen; Tehran announces 251 fatalities in one day - highest daily death toll since start of pandemic, and nearly 4,500 critical patients

Associated Press , 20:21 , 10.11.20

Lebanon closes bars, nightclubs to curb coronavirus

With over 1,000 daily cases in the last few days and hospitals nearing capacity, Interior Ministry orders local lockdowns on 169 towns across the country, a nightly curfew and mandatory face masks in public

Reuters , 16:37 , 10.11.20

U.S. to hit all of Iran’s financial sector with sanctions

Announcement follows months-long debate on best way to proceed with Iran, particularly as Trump faces difficult reelection challenge against opponent Biden who wants to return to nuclear deal

Associated Press , 20:05 , 10.08.20

Lebanese president to hold consultations on new PM next week

Announcement comes after resignation by latest prime minister-designate over sectarian impasse in formation of new government, a blow to France's efforts to end dangerous stalemate in crisis-hit nation

Associated Press , 19:02 , 10.07.20

Syrian victims of chemical attacks file case with German prosecutors

Lawyers say most comprehensive body of evidence has been collected so far on the use of substances such as sarin gas in Ghouta in 2013 and in Khan Sheikhoun four years later, which killed at least 1,400 people

Reuters , 16:15 , 10.06.20

Ex-Saudi spy chief slams Palestinian leadership's criticism of UAE-Israel deal

In scathing interview, Prince Bandar bin Sultan labels Palestinian outcry 'transgression' and 'reprehensible discourse', calls advocates of Palestinian cause 'failures'

Reuters , 11:07 , 10.06.20

Palestinian business leader hopes UAE, Bahrain will press Israel to stop settlements

While Palestinian leaders have called the Arab agreements to normalize relations with Israel a blow to their cause, the chairman of two of the largest Palestinian holding companies reckons they could be used to the advantage of the Palestinians

Reuters , 23:48 , 10.05.20

Pompeo discusses Middle East peace agreements with Saudi foreign minister

U.S. State Department says diplomats spoke of advancing humanitarian aid and peace in Yemen, mending ties between the Gulf countries and the historic signing of the Abraham Accords

i24NEWS , 18:21 , 09.29.20

Kuwaiti ruler Sheikh Sabah has died at 91

The Emir, who reigned for 14 years, was a staunch U.S. ally who struggled with the effects of the aftermath of the 2011 Arab Spring and seesawing crude oil prices on the Gulf state

Associated Press , 17:20 , 09.29.20

Syria minister calls Turkey main terrorism sponsor in region

Using unusually harsh language, Syrian diplomat calls out northern neighbor for its growing belligerence throughout the Middle East; Turkey shoots down statement as 'delusional' and 'ridden with ludicrous allegations'

Associated Press , 10:11 , 09.27.20

Lebanese nominated premier resigns, in blow to Macron plan

Less than a month after receiving the nomination, Mustapha Adib steps down following the insistence of Shiite groups Hezbollah and Amal to maintaining control of the Treasury

Associated Press , 20:38 , 09.26.20

In UN debut, Saudi king calls for comprehensive solution on Iran

King Salman says Iran exploited 2015 nuclear deal with world powers 'to intensify expansionist activities, create terrorist networks, and use terrorism'; monarch calls to disarm Hezbollah

Reuters , 20:14 , 09.23.20

Security source: Technical error causes Hezbollah arms depot to blow up in Lebanon

Explosion shakes the southern village of Ain Qana, above the port city of Sidon, sending grey smoke billowing over the village; Hezbollah members impose a security cordon around the area

News Agencies , 16:12 , 09.22.20

U.S. Space Force deploys to vast new frontier: Arabian Desert

U.S. military deploys 20-strong squadron of newly formed military service to Qatar in bid to secure national interests against 'nations that are extremely aggressive in preparing to extend conflict into space'

Associated Press , 12:51 , 09.21.20

Saudi state TV says Bahrain stops militants planning attacks

Officials claim terror plot was to be retaliation for the U.S. killing of Qassem Soleimani in January; militants arrested, weapons found; some 7,000 serve in American bases in Bahrain

Associated Press , 21:23 , 09.20.20

Pompeo: Hezbollah weapons risk French efforts in Lebanon

With fractious Lebanese politicians set to miss Tuesday deadline agreed with Macron for forming new government, secretary of state says U.S. 'will stop Iran buying Chinese tanks and Russian air defense systems and then selling weapons to Hezbollah'

Reuters , 17:10 , 09.15.20

Iran says 1,044 centrifuges active at underground plant

Tehran announces resumption of enrichment at Fordo site last November in a further step away from 2015 nuclear accord abandoned by Washington in 2018

AFP , 10:00 , 09.14.20

90 UN peacekeepers in south Lebanon contract COVID-19

UNIFIL says infections won’t affect force’s operations along the Israeli-Lebanese border; 88 of those with virus in the same unit; Lebanon sees spike in cases since Beirut port explosion

AFP , 23:00 , 09.13.20

Macron presses Lebanese politicians as cabinet deadline looms

As international groups and donors condition millions in aid to ailing nation on thorough political reforms, PM-designate Adib expected to present government outline Monday

Reuters , 18:10 , 09.13.20

Iran begins expansive annual war games amid tensions with U.S.

State television says Iranian submarines and drones deployed to Gulf of Oman where navy, air force and ground force units participate in training for potential conflict with U.S.

Reuters , 18:23 , 09.10.20

Large fire erupts in Beirut port, month after massive blast

State TV says blaze started at warehouse storing tires and oil, but police say unknown what was in facility; Red Cross says no casualties are reported as army sends helicopters to help bring flames under control

Reuters , 14:57 , 09.10.20

Sri Lanka tea storm swirls around Lebanon president

Massive delivery of supplies, destined for victims of Beirut port blast, found to have been given to Michel Aoun's staff and military elite, spurring vast criticism by citizens on social media

AFP , 23:42 , 09.09.20

Hezbollah-allied parties say U.S. sanctions target whole Lebanon

Washington sanctions senior members of Christian Marada movement and Shi'ite Amal party, saying they 'provided material support to Hezbollah and engaged in corruption'

Reuters , 18:15 , 09.09.20

Trump planning to withdraw more U.S. troops from Iraq

Top American general for Mideast says he believes army will keep a smaller but enduring presence in country, with full withdrawal possible in the future

Associated Press , 10:36 , 09.09.20

US Slaps Sanctions On Two Lebanese Ex-ministers Over Hezbollah

Action comes as the United States, as well as former colonial power France, press for a new government in Lebanon to push urgent reforms

AFP , 08:52 , 09.09.20

Iran building new centrifuges site near Natanz

Tehran seeking to replace facility hit by fire earlier this year, says blaze was result of sabotage and caused significant damage that could slow development of advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges

Reuters , 18:36 , 09.08.20

As cases in Syria rise, U.N. staffers infected

Three people medically evacuated, but most other UN staff and families show mild symptoms; officials say fighting, internal migration and political instability, hide scope of outbreak understood

AFP , 15:03 , 09.08.20

In crisis-hit Lebanon, Paris and Washington at odds over Hezbollah

While U.S. sees terror group as obstacle for much needed governmental reforms, France says willing to cooperate with Hezbollah political wing

AFP , 09:48 , 09.08.20

Saudi court sentences Khashoggi killers after son's pardon

Riyadh Criminal Court orders maximum 20 years in prison for 5 main defendants, another receives 10-year sentence, 2 more to serve 7 years in killing of 59-year-old critic of crown prince in Istanbul consulate in 2018

Associated Press , 18:21 , 09.07.20

Cyprus worried as 4 migrant boats reach island in 48 hours

Some 21 migrants remain aboard a boat that is adrift off Cyprus' southeastern tip as a result of a faulty engine after some have been permitted to disembark

Associated Press , 22:21 , 09.06.20

Mideast's confirmed coronavirus death toll goes over 50,000

Iran remains hardest-hit nation, which saw region’s first major outbreak with over 21,900 people dead from the virus and over 380,000 confirmed cases

Associated Press , 15:41 , 09.03.20

Amnesty: Iran flogged, tortured prisoners in brutal post-protest crackdown

Human rights group finds widespread use of torture, other ill-treatment by Iran police, security agents and prison officials in aftermath of nationwide 2019 protests, with at least 3 sentenced to death in biased trials

Ynet , 11:56 , 09.02.20

Hamas leader visits Beirut for first time in 27 years

Ismail Haniyeh to participate from Lebanese capital in meeting called by Palestinian President Abbas to discuss Israel-UAE deal; confab will include all Palestinian factions including PLO and Islamic Jihad

i24NEWS, Ynet , 23:22 , 09.01.20