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Report: Russia proposes interim nuclear deal to Iran with U.S. consent

Citing U.S. officials, NBC says Moscow proposed limited sanctions relief in return for re-imposition of some restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear program, which would serve as a first step in Iran returning to JCPOA with world powers

Ynet , 14:14, 01.22.22

UN Palestinian refugee agency seeks $1.6 billion to counter cash crunch

UNRWA struggles to recover financially after Donald Trump cut aid in 2018, and while Biden's administration has restored some support, agency says still faces 'existential threat' over budget gaps

AFP , 19:25, 01.18.22

Report: Iran allegedly smuggling weapons to Yemen

Confidential UN report seen by Wall Street Journal says boats used to transport arms for Houthi rebels originating in China, Russia and Islamic Republic left from southeastern Iranian harbor of Jask

AFP , 12:35, 01.09.22

Iranian statue of slain commander Soleimani torched

local media says the effigy was torched by unknown perpetrators mere hours after it was unveiled in the Iranian city of Shahrekord, which they called a 'shameful act'

AFP , 19:35, 01.06.22

West: Syria must answer 20 questions on its chemical weapons

Damascus joined convention to destroy chemical arms program in 2013; Syria's UN envoy accuses council members of distracting attention from Israeli attack on declared chemical weapons facility

Associated Press , 12:09, 01.06.22

Iran vows revenge for Soleimani killing if Trump not put on trial

String of unusual incidents take place as Tehran marks anniversary of its top general's assassination, including drone attack on U.S. forces in Baghdad, seizure of UAE-flagged cargo vessel by Houthi rebels and Iran-linked hackers defacing an Israeli news website

Reuters , 20:07, 01.03.22

Lebanese Christian leader: alliance with Hezbollah imperiled

Gebran Bassil — head of Free Patriotic Movement and son-in-law of Lebanese President Michel Aoun — signals an unprecedented level of frustration with the powerful Shi'ite terror group, suggesting 2006 union was in jeopardy

Associated Press , 16:49, 01.02.22

Iran launched rocket into space, state TV says

Move comes amid onerous talks with world powers in Vienna on reviving nuclear deal; unclear whether any of the 3 research devices onboard successfully entered orbit

Associated Press , 13:14, 12.30.21

Europeans stress 'urgency' as Iran nuclear talks resume

Diplomats from France, UK and Germany say 2015 pact being 'hollowed out' by continued Iranian enrichment and escalation of its nuclear program, warning that there are 'weeks, not months' to reach agreement

AFP , 19:53, 12.28.21

Syria war killed 3,700 in 2021, lowest annual toll

According to UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 1,505 of deaths were civilians and among those 360 were children; 297 were killed by landmines and various explosive remnants

AFP , 16:34, 12.22.21

Iran's Revolutionary Guards launch Gulf war games

Military maneuver comes amid increased tensions with between Jerusalem and Tehran, with Iranian general warning of a 'crushing' response to any Israeli move against Islamic Republic

Reuters , 15:10, 12.21.21

Iran's Revolutionary Guard holds military drill amid Israel tension

Exercise comes days after talks to revive tattered nuclear deal with world powers broke up in Vienna; Tehran remains vague on whether it would consider enriching uranium to weapons-grade 90% purity

Associated Press , 20:07, 12.20.21

UN watchdog says Iran will allow new cameras at nuclear site

Cameras to be reinstalled at Karaj following what Tehran describes as a sabotage attack by Israel; IAEA chief Grossi warns that limited access to area hurts international efforts to monitor Islamic Republic's nuclear program

Associated Press , 16:42, 12.15.21

Iran says ready to continue nuclear talks, rejects 'blame game'

Tehran says it is waiting for counteroffers after U.S., European powers slam its new position as backtracking on compromises made during previous six rounds of negotiations

AFP , 13:22, 12.06.21

Iran gives drafts on sanctions, nuclear issues to European nuclear deal parties

Tehran's top negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani calls for all restrictions to be lifted 'at once' as a prerequisite, saying that if world powers accept terms then talks in Vienna can continue

Reuters , 16:24, 12.02.21

Nuclear talks resume as West asks whether Iran is serious or stalling

Tehran's new negotiating team has set out demands that U.S. and European diplomats consider unrealistic; failure to strike deal could prompt reaction from Israel, which has said military options would be on the table

Reuters , 07:53, 11.29.21

Low expectations on nuclear talks as Iran creates facts on the grounds

Ahead of talks between world powers and Tehran, analysts say unmonitored centrifuge production will put more pressure on the West to give ground in negotiations quickly

Reuters , 09:55, 11.28.21

U.S. won't stand idly by if Iran gets 'too close' to nuclear weapon

Rob Malley says if Iran choses not to revive compliance with the agreement, dragged its feet at the negotiating table and continue to accelerate its nuclear program 'we'll have to respond accordingly'

Reuters , 21:09, 11.24.21

Australia lists Hezbollah as 'terrorist organization'

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews says Iran-backed Shi'ite group poses a 'real' and 'credible' threat to Australia, continuing to threaten attacks and provide support to other terror organizations; PM Bennett and FM Lapid welcome move

AFP , 08:23, 11.24.21

Iran's Mahan Air says its has foiled a cyberattack

Airliner — suspected of transporting arms and supplies to Syrian President Assad and proxy Hezbollah — was blacklisted by Washington in 2011 over the use of its planes by paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Reuters, Ynet , 16:58, 11.21.21

Kuwait detains 18 suspected of financing Lebanon's Hezbollah

Arrests come amid a diplomatic crisis between Beirut and the Gulf states, who have become increasingly dismayed by the Iran-backed terror group's influence over Lebanese politics

Reuters , 11:26, 11.18.21

U.S. military hid airstrikes that killed dozens of civilians in Syria, report says

Two back-to-back air raids ordered by Central Command in 2019 near town of Baghuz said to have resulted in up to 64 dead women and children; Pentagon denies claims, saying attacks were 'legitimate self-defense' against IS militants

Reuters , 11:38, 11.14.21

Iran begins annual war games ahead of nuke talks with West

Air and ground forces participating in military exercises — which take place near strategic Straits of Hormuz — to prepare for 'foreign threats and any possible invasion'

Associated Press , 12:38, 11.07.21

Iraqi PM safe after drone attack on residence, military says

Strike, which security sources say injured several members of Kadhimi's personal protection detail, came after protests in Baghdad over result of general election last month turned violent; U.S. condemns 'apparent act of terrorism'

Reuters , 09:05, 11.07.21

Iran's Raisi vows no retreat in nuclear talks with major powers

Following announcement that negotiations on 2015 nuclear agreement will resume in November, Islamic Republic's president vows Tehran 'will not retreat from the interests of our nation in any way'

Reuters , 17:23, 11.04.21

Iran marks anniversary of 1979 takeover of U.S. Embassy

Thousands gather on Tehran streets to mark the event that triggered 444-day hostage crisis and break in diplomatic relations that continues to this day, chanting 'death to America, Israel' and burning flags

Associated Press , 11:59, 11.04.21

Iran nuclear talks with world powers to resume Nov. 29, Iranian official says

Chief Iranian negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani posted on Twitter that he had agreed on resumption of talks with EU envoy Enrique Mora; U.S. hopes Tehran ready to 'negotiate in good faith'

Reuters, Ynet , 22:38, 11.03.21

Iran says it blocks U.S. attempt to confiscate oil tanker

State TV says American naval forces used helicopters and warships to try to block ship carrying Iranian oil in Sea of Oman, adding that Revolutionary Guard reacted 'promptly' to alleged arrest

Reuters , 13:55, 11.03.21

Saudi Arabia says 'pointless' dealing with Hezbollah-dominated Lebanon

Saudi FM Prince Faisal - whose comments come amid diplomatic rift over Yemen war - says Iranian proxy hampers Levantine nation from dealing with economic crisis

AFP , 10:12, 11.01.21

U.S. in talks with allies on getting Iran to agree to nuclear deal

Secretary of State Blinken says that if Tehran is not willing to return to 2015 accord 'in a serious way', Washington is willing to consider 'all of the options necessary to deal with this problem'

Reuters , 17:39, 10.31.21

U.S. skeptical Iran ready to restart nuclear talks

Following announcement by Iranian FM that negotiations will resume by end of November, White House says decision to renew talks lays solely with EU powers, adding that 'alternatives' are considered if Tehran reneges commitments

Associated Press , 09:20, 10.28.21

Iran says nuclear talks with six powers to resume by end November

Following meeting with EU officials, top negotiator Ali Bagheri says exact date would be announced next week; statement comes days after U.S. envoy warned Washington to consider 'alternatives' to diplomacy

Reuters , 20:00, 10.27.21

Iran says cyberattack behind widespread disruption at gas stations

Disruptions reportedly included shutdown of gas stations, hacked street signs carrying messages slamming Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei; event comes ahead of anniversary of fuel price hike which led to street protests 2 years ago

Reuters , 15:38, 10.26.21

Sudan capital locked down after coup triggers deadly unrest

Soldiers block roads in the capital Khartoum, close banks and cash machines, and shut down mobile services to keep protesters at bay after at least seven people were killed in riots following military's seizure of power

Reuters , 12:47, 10.26.21

U.S says patience with Iran 'wearing thin' on nuclear talks

Special envoy says Washington and allies still want diplomatic solution to bring back America and Islamic Republic into compliance with 2015 deal, but alternatives are being considered due to Tehran's refusal to resume negotiations in Vienna

Associated Press , 19:11, 10.25.21

Lebanese judge charges dozens over fatal Beirut clashes

Seven followers of Iran-backed Hezbollah and its ally Amal were killed on Oct. 14 in some of the worst street violence city has seen in over a decade, which Shi'ite groups blame on Christian Lebanese Forces

Reuters , 16:33, 10.25.21

Sudan PM, ministers detained in apparent military coup

Information Ministry says PM Hamdok detained and moved to an undisclosed location as Khartoum airport is shut, international flights suspended and media reports that internet stopped as ministers arrested by unidentified military forces

Reuters , 11:38, 10.25.21

Social unrest threatens Mideast economic recovery, IMF warns

Countries like Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan have been witnessing recent protests by thousands of angry citizens demanding better jobs and services — with all experiencing rapidly rising inflation, unemployment and poverty

AFP , 16:33, 10.19.21

Hezbollah leader declares his group has 100,000 fighters

In first address since seven people were killed in gunbattles on the streets of Beirut last week, Nasrallah blames Christian Lebanese Forces for confrontations that erupted over long-running probe into last year's massive port blast in city

Associated Press , 22:42, 10.18.21

Syria buries former lawmaker shot near Israeli border

Midhat Saleh was fatally shot Saturday in a village along the Golan Heights, allegedly by IDF snipers; hundreds of people attended funeral, including senior officials and Druze clerics

Associated Press , 16:34, 10.18.21

7 killed in Beirut clashes as tensions over blast probe soar

Dozens wounded after unknown assailants open fire on members of Iranian proxy outside Justice Palace, who were demanding ouster of judge who may implicate Shi'ite group in 2020 port blast

Associated Press , 16:44, 10.14.21

Hezbollah accuses U.S. of meddling in Lebanon's port probe

Accusations are the first directed at Washington, claiming it is dictating how the probe of the massive 2020 blast in the Beirut port, should go; Rights groups claim Hezbollah aims to discredit judge and investigation into the explosion

Associated Press , 19:10, 10.13.21

U.S. says it won't normalize or upgrade diplomatic ties with Syria's Assad

Comments come after Jordan fully reopens main border crossing with Syria in move to boost countries' struggling economies and reinforce push by Arab states to reintegrate Damascus after shunning it during civil war

Reuters , 08:47, 09.30.21

Angry relatives of Beirut blast victims protest probe delays

Outcry comes after decision to freeze probe into Beirut port blast that killed 200 and wounded thousands following smear campaign against lead investigating judge by Lebanon's political class as well as terrorist group Hezbollah

Reuters , 19:03, 09.29.21

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says 2 members killed in fire

Group say blaze erupted in a warehouse at what it described as a 'research self-sufficiency center' west of Tehran; At least three members hurt, two of whom later succumbed to injuries

Associated Press , 17:49, 09.27.21

Iran's president slams U.S. in first speech to UN

Ebrahim Raisi calls U.S. sanctions on Iran during a pandemic 'crimes against humanity'; says Tehran not against returning to the 2015 nuclear agreement despite mistrust of 'any promises made by the U.S.'

Associated Press , 09:32, 09.22.21

Iran says ready to sell Lebanon fuel if Beirut asks

PM Mikati says Hezbollah orchestrated shipment not approved by government, adding he was 'saddened' by what he called 'a violation of Lebanese sovereignty'

AFP , 17:39, 09.19.21

Lebanon's Hezbollah says Iranian fuel oil to arrive Thursday

Opponents say move could spur further sanctions on country already facing massive economic crunch, especially as Washington has designated the Iranian proxy a terror group and is working to bring in Egyptian gas

Reuters , 22:32, 09.13.21

Hezbollah hammered with criticism amid Lebanon's crises

The once feared terrorist organization has now become the subject of heavy criticism over its provocations against Israel, inability to support the people's needs, and partnership with Iran, which many fear would bring further sanctions

Associated Press , 17:58, 09.01.21

Beirut blast judge issues subpoena for PM Diab after no-show

Over a year after explosion that killed hundreds, injured thousands and destroyed large swathes of the capital - no senior official has been held accountable, angering many Lebanese

Reuters , 14:27, 08.26.21

CIA head meets Taliban leader as fears for Afghanistan grow

Despite Islamist group's promises to restore security and attempts to project moderate image, UN rights chief says there are credible reports of 'summary executions' and restrictions on women, urging council take 'bold and vigorous action'

Associated Press , 16:28, 08.24.21

Iran is ready to ship more fuel to Lebanon if needed, says Iranian official

Hezbollah leader Nasrallah - who organized the first shipment - insists group was not trying to step in and replace the state as it further deteriorates into economic turmoil

Reuters , 11:39, 08.23.21

Lebanon's Hezbollah says Iranian fuel vessels setting off soon

Nasrallah insists group not trying to step in and replace state by purchasing fuel; Shi'ite leader previously warned U.S. and Israel against interfering with shipment, which violates U.S.-imposed embargo on Iran

Reuters , 21:51, 08.22.21

France, Germany, UK very worried about Iran's uranium enrichment

Report by UN nuclear watchdog confirms Tehran has produced uranium metal-enriched up to 20% fissile purity for the first time and lifted production capacity of uranium enriched to 60%, both key steps in weapon development

Reuters , 18:10, 08.19.21

Algeria accuses Morocco, Israel of setting wildfires

Algiers says responsibility for deadly blazes lays with Islamist Rashad group and MAK, an autonomy movement for the mostly Amazigh-speaking Kabylie region — which it alleges are backed by Rabat and Jerusalem

Reuters , 16:54, 08.19.21

UN nuclear watchdog: Iran producing more uranium metal

U.S. says move 'unconstructive, inconsistent' with a return to mutual compliance of JCPOA, warns that 'such escalations will not provide any negotiating leverage in any renewed talks' and only further isolate Tehran

Associated Press , 11:43, 08.17.21

Pressure builds for new Lebanon government as chaos deepens

Country's financial meltdown hit a crunch point last week when shortages of imported fuel forced hospitals and other essential services to scale back or shut down; Hezbollah says it will begin importing diesel and gasoline from Iran

Reuters , 14:57, 08.16.21

Red Cross: At least 20 killed in Lebanon fuel tank explosion

Military and a security source say the Lebanese army seized a hidden fuel storage tank, and was in the midst of handing out gasoline to residents when the explosion took place; at least 79 people taken to hospital

Ynet, Reuters , 09:00, 08.15.21

Iran's Raisi names anti-Western hardliner as new foreign minister

New top diplomat Hossein Amirabdollahian is believed to have close ties with Lebanon's powerful Shi'ite terror group Hezbollah; Iranian leader also appoints ex-Quds Force commander wanted for 1994 Buenos Aires Jewish Center bombing

Reuters , 20:12, 08.11.21

Lebanon's Aoun shields patriarch after he urged halt to rockets

Following cross-border salvo between Israel and Hezbollah, Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai slammed the Iranian proxy, saying no group should decide on war and peace, urging the army to halt missile fire from the south

Reuters , 17:47, 08.10.21