Middle East

He stressed that any Iranian regime loyal to the Islamic Revolution "will always have the motivation to restore its capabilities," warning that this would include nuclear weapons if given the chance.

Task Force Iron Gate, as it will be called, will be based in Tampa, Florida, and will coordinate with other US government agencies.

Syrian intelligence said it seized explosives and arrested two suspects identified only by their initials, a day after a Lebanese ministerial delegation visited Damascus.

Iranian media identified him as a member of Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni group that has carried out numerous attacks on security forces near the border with Pakistan.

Rewards for Justice, dedicated to gathering information on terrorism and hostile foreign operations, issued a new offer for information, including nuclear facilities, equipment, and personnel.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said Washington remains willing to reach a deal after the midterms, as Tasnim reported two missiles struck Qeshm Island.

Turkey has interests in Kirkuk and the city of Tal Afar. The Turkish Ministry of Defense said, “We welcome Iraq’s reinforcement of outposts and observation posts along the border."

“The first decision of the PUK leadership following this thing [parliament reactivation] is that we will immediately withdraw from this failed government," Bafel Talabani, leader of PUK said.

The sanctions effectively cut the firms off from the dollar-based financial system, blocking any assets that the firms may have in the United States.

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said earlier that initial reports indicated that two missiles had struck Qeshm Island, adding that there was no official information on possible damage.