Middle East

Report: Iranian spy masters 'running covert war' in Syria

A dissident group has leaked documents claiming Iranian support to be much larger than previously thought in the Syrian civil war.

Iran atomic chief: Trump presidency wouldn't endanger nuclear deal

"I think whoever gets into the ... office of the president in the United States will have to move according to the realities on the ground."

Iran has missiles that can hit Israel, Revolutionary Guards official says

The commander warned that “the Zionist regime is our biggest target.”

Majority of Palestinians oppose suspension of elections

Public fears action will "ultimately amount to their cancellation."

Egyptian official slams Abbas, calling him 'unintelligent' in leaked recording

“He is sitting and talking nonsense to the right and the left, while the situation is catching on fire. Nothing makes a difference for him.”

Iran's supreme leader tells Ahmadinejad not to run again for president

Ahmadinejad had not announced any plans to run in the vote scheduled for May, but has made several speeches in recent months, prompting speculation of a political comeback.

'Russia and US tensions over Syria dangerous for Israel'

Former Israeli envoy to UN Prosor says that a conflcit between the Americans and Russians could create "a very uncomfortable reality" for Israel.

'Iran and Russia in danger of becoming war crimes accomplices'

French FM calls on Moscow, Tehran to desist from prolonging the civil war in Syria.

Christian writer who 'insulted Islam' murdered in Jordan

Jordanian Christian writer Nahed Hattar was accused of contempt of religion for caricature seen as insulting Islam.

Battle rages near Aleppo, air onslaught continues

Moscow says Washington failed to live up to its side of the latest deal by separating mainstream insurgents from hardened jihadists.

Yemen to protest Iranian weapon smuggling at UN Security Council

Yemen and Saudi Arabia blame Shi'ite Iran for supplying weapons to the Houthis.

Who won Jordan’s election? It’s in the eye of the beholder

The low turnout in the election – just 37% – appears to be a blow to King Abdullah’s project of democratization and reform.

Playboy magazine features hijab wearing woman for the first time ever

Noor Tagouri hopes to be the first hijab wearing news anchor in America.

Obama vetoes Sept. 11 Saudi bill; says would hurt national security

Obama said other countries could use the law as an excuse to sue US diplomats, service members or companies.

US Congress denounces 'ransom' payments to Iran in new bill

The Washington Post called the bill "a rebuke of the Obama administration's decision to send Tehran what Republicans charge was a 'ransom' on the same day American prisoners were released."

Foreign Affairs: The great Syrian game

Despite the abrupt collapse of its latest cease-fire, the Syrian war’s aftermath is beginning to take shape.

Rouhani: Zionists pressuring US to violate Iran nuclear deal

Speaking at UN General Assembly debate, Iranian president attacks Israel over "web of apartheid politics and atrocities."

Top EU court advisor: Drop Hamas from bloc's terror blacklist

“The council cannot rely on facts and evidence found in press articles and information from the internet,” European Court of Justice advocate-general charges.

Biking against the ban: Iranian women defy female cycling fatwa

Women in Iran risk prosecution if caught contravening the ban, which was issued by ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Did ISIS use chemical weapons in rocket strike near US troops in Iraq?

US military testing to see if chemical agent used in attack; no American forces injured.

Obama threatens to veto two Iran-related bills

"It’s not surprising to hear the administration has once again made a political decision to appease Iran at the expense of our national security," said Congressman Peter Roskam (R-Illinois).

Attempted stabbing at Israeli embassy in Turkey; assailant shot

Retired policeman shoots knife-wielding suspect attempting to attack security guard outside embassy in Ankara.

Iran threatens to 'turn Tel Aviv and Haifa to dust' if Israel missteps

"If the leaders of the Zionist regime make a mistake then the Islamic Republic will turn Tel Aviv and Haifa to dust," reads banner on military truck in missile parade.

Analysis: Cease-fire collapse means indefinite bloodletting in Syria

This cease-fire, agreed between the US and Russia, received its death blow Monday, when a humanitarian aid convoy was bombed west of Aleppo, killing 21 people and destroying 18 of the 21 trucks.

Americans 'unwelcome' in Gaza, warns militant chief after US terror label

Remarks come day after US designated former Hamas interior minister Fathi Hammad as an international terrorist.

Report: ISIS shoots down Syrian warplane allegedly killing pilot

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the Syrian conflict now in its sixth year, says the pilot of the MIG Syrian warplane was killed.

Iranian Paralympic cyclist dies after crash

US-led forces strike Syrian troops, prompting emergency UN meeting

Syria's army general command said the strike was "conclusive evidence" that the US and its allies support the Islamic State jihadist organization.

Voting in Jordan: A step to democracy or a show for the regime?

"If anything, the parliamentary system has largely operated as a disservice to the people, providing no real opposition to the appointed government or state policies."

Saudi royal involved in aiding terrorists, says Guantanamo detainee

Allegations of Saudi involvement in the September 11, 2001 attacks still persists in the US despite denials by the FBI and White House.