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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

Brawls in Lebanon's north over rationed fuel leave 3 dead

Man shot at gas station following fight when a motorist tried to cut long queue; in separate incident, two young people killed with live fire and hand grenades over gasoline purchases

AFP , 18:17, 08.09.21

Macron urges Iran to halt nuclear violations 'without delay' in Raisi talks

Newly sworn-in Iranian president tells French leader any new deal with the West must guarantee Islamic Republic's 'rights,' adds that Tehran is determined to maintain 'deterrence' in Gulf waters

i24NEWS , 18:07, 08.09.21

Hardline cleric Raisi sworn in as Iran president amid tensions with West

Former judiciary official and protege of Supreme Leader Khamenei is expected to take tougher stance in talks to resume the defunct 2015 nuclear deal, vowing to parliament he will have U.S. sanctions lifted

Reuters , 17:48, 08.05.21

Syrian man arrested in Berlin over Damascus war crimes

Mouafak Al D. - suspected of being a member of the Syrian proxy Free Palestine Movement - is accused of firing a grenade into a crowd of civilians in Yarmouk in 2014 while government forces were besieging the Palestinian refugee camp close to Syrian capital

Reuters , 14:58, 08.04.21

British agency: Boarders exit tanker off UAE coast, ship safe

Maritime security forces say the Panama-flagged Asphalt Princess was seized by suspected Iranian-backed forces, which Tehran denies; UK gives no further details surrounding incident

Reuters , 09:17, 08.04.21

Iran-backed forces believed to have seized tanker off UAE coast, maritime security sources say

Revolutionary Guard rejects claims as 'hostile action' by Israel and West; British paper says London working on assumption that 'Iranian military or proxies' boarded Asphalt Princess off Fujairah, where Israeli-managed tanker attacked last week is now docked

Ynet, News Agencies , 22:12, 08.03.21

A year later, Beirut blast victims push leaders for justice

On eve of anniversary of devastating 2020 port explosion, critics say Lebanon's political leadership has succeeded in stonewalling the judicial investigation that was launched to uncover what happened in the explosion and who was responsible

Associated Press , 22:10, 08.03.21

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