Iran pushes for cultural, economic diplomacy with nations across central Asia - report
Iranian official Ali Asghar Tahmasebi reportedly emphasized the importance of developing Central Asia via "economic diplomacy."
Middle East
US-Israel Iran strategy diverges as timelines shrink, risks grow - analysis
Egypt, Turkey move in step as Washington, Jerusalem pull apart - analysis
A Kurdish crisis and a missing American: Iran’s expanding influence in Iraqi Kurdistan
Israel sending weapons, aid to Syria's Druze as it monitors Sharaa, Washington Post reports
The airdrops on Dec. 17, 2024, came nine days after Assad’s removal and included 500 rifles sent to the Druze-led Military Council.
Iran messaging suggests concern over possible Israel strike - analysis
Iranian officials are emphasizing deterrence and diplomacy amid reports of Israeli concern over Tehran’s missile program and the risk of renewed escalation.
Gunfights in northern Syria show tensions remain between Sharaa, Kurdish forces - analysis
Renewed clashes between Damascus forces and Kurdish units in Aleppo underscore how fragile efforts to integrate the SDF into Syria’s new security framework remain, despite ceasefire agreements.
While US sees Iran as 'destabilizing factor,' Trump using sanctions, not military force - official
“Iran’s destabilizing behavior threatens the national interests of the United States, and therefore President Trump has reinstated a policy of ‘maximum pressure,’" the official said.
Druze claim Syrian gov't attack in Sweida, as clashes between Syrian army, SDF de-escalate - report
Syrian Druze militias were attacked by troops allegedly linked with the Syrian government in the Sweida region, while clashes were reported in northern Syria, according to Syrian media.
Hezbollah 'dissatisfied' with Iran funding, demands for $2 billion in post-war aid - KAN
Over the last year, Tehran transferred hundreds of millions of dollars to Hezbollah to provide its force rehabilitation due to downsizing as a consequence of the war with Israel.
‘Never Again’ revisited: The Jewish community’s struggle to balance Darfur, Oct. 7 priorities
Today, six years after the end of al-Bashir’s reign and 14 years after the founding of South Sudan as an independent country, Darfur is again descending into chaos.
Iranian military chief claims Israel plotted Bondi massacre to build sympathy as 'victims'
Mousavi alleged the “Zionist regime” has carried out attacks on Jewish communities abroad, making the claims during a military ceremony on Sunday.
At least two civilians killed in Aleppo violence as Syrian government, SDF trade blame
Aleppo saw a wave of attacks on Monday that killed at least two civilians, with Syrian state media blaming SDF shelling and the SDF accusing government linked factions.
Egypt, Qatar, Turkey called on US to prevent Israeli strikes on Gaza, source tells 'Post'
Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey urged senior US officials to prevent Israel from striking in Gaza, a source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post.
