Syria extends ceasefire with Kurds to support ISIS detainee transfer
The extension was decided to support a United States operation to transfer Islamic State prisoners from Syria to Iraq, Syria's defence ministry stated.
Middle East
Iranian-backed militias exploit Syria-SDF clashes to entrench role in Iraq - analysis
As end of ceasefire between Syrian gov’t and Kurds approaches, region asks if it will continue
Iran says two Islamic State‑linked men executed for 2023 bus bombing
Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei moves to underground bunker amid fears of US strike - report
According to the Iranian opposition outlet, Masoud Khamenei, the ayatollah’s third son, has taken over management of the supreme leader’s day-to-day responsibilities.
Trump says 'US has lots of ships on their way to Iran, I hope we don't have to use them'
A lot of people have been killed in Iran, but there's a difference between a lot and 20,000 - we'll figure that out," Trump said and emphasized: "We have an armada heading their way."
As Syrian forces push northeast, Kurds mobilize against new jihadi assault
BEHIND THE LINES: As Syrian forces push into Kurdish regions, the Syrian Democratic Council calls for urgent global intervention to prevent a massacre.
US considering complete withdrawal of troops from Syria - WSJ
Around 1,000 US troops are stationed in Syria, the Wall Street Journal reported, and are mainly co-stationed with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) troops.
Iran will treat any attack as 'all-out war', says senior Iran official
"Everything is on high alert in Iran," a senior Iranian official said ahead of the arrival of a US military aircraft carrier strike group in the Middle East.
Turkey's foreign minister says Israel still seeking opportunity to attack Iran
"I hope they find a different path, but the reality is that Israel, in particular, is looking for an opportunity to strike Iran," Fidan said in a televised interview on Friday.
Yemeni experts support allegations of secret UAE prisons, despite Emirati denial
After STC setbacks in the east, Saudi Arabia corrals southern factions into talks while allegations of secret prisons run by UAE forces in Yemen regain attention.
Rafah border crossing to reopen next week with Israeli oversight, advanced screening
Israel plans to oversee the Rafah border reopening next week, using remote monitoring and advanced screening to prevent weapons smuggling while ensuring security for travelers.
Georgia senator calls for removal of Iranian official's daughter from Emory university faculty
Dr. Ardeshir-Larijani is the daughter of Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The Emory University School of Medicine lists her as an assistant professor.
Iran disputes claim that Trump stopped over 800 executions, say none were scheduled - report
"I stopped 837 hangings on Thursday," Trump told the press on Friday morning. "And I said, 'if you hang those people, you're gonna be hit harder than you've ever been hit.'"
