Syria forms first post-Assad parliament to kickstart new era of 'managed democracy'
The new parliament has 140 elected seats and 70 appointed by the president.
Middle East
US resumes transfer of American currency to Iraq after Iran-related suspension - report
Doha talks to continue after Khamenei's burial, Iran says nuclear inspections not agreed upon
Araghchi threatens to ‘school’ Israel if US unsuccessful in ‘muzzling its pets in Tel Aviv’
Iraq PM's anti-corruption raids test resolve against Iran-backed power networks - analysis
That gap between optics and substance could become decisive ahead of Al-Zaidi’s expected Washington visit.
US-Iran talks 'going well' Vance claims, Iran's deputy FM says monitoring of MoU discussed - report
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, told Iranian state media that talks included an initial meeting of a monitoring group to ensure implementation of the recently signed US-Iran MoU.
Iran's past shows regime needs to develop a nuclear weapon to have chance at survival, expert says
According to Zisser, Iran now believes nuclear weapons are essential for regime survival after repeated Israeli and US strikes, while Washington's push for a new deal may reinforce Tehran's strategy.
Poll: Confidence in Sharaa’s People’s Assembly low, majority want talks between Damascus, Sweida
The majority of Syrian respondents said they couldn’t predict what influence the assembly would have, while 26% said they didn’t think it would have any weight on government decisions at all.
US won't accept 'pragmatic' Iran leadership without real change, Huckabee tells 'Post' - interview
“President Trump’s been incredibly clear that he’ll stay with his commitment that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” Huckabee said. “They’re not going to be able to be a continued threat."
Syria announces 70 new lawmaker appointments, paving way for parliament to convene
The 210-member chamber, two-thirds of which were chosen by regional electoral colleges last year, will wield limited power under a presidential system established by Sharaa.
Spreading Kurdish militant attacks pressure Iran as it navigates fragile US diplomacy - analysis
The clashes appear to have taken place in several towns and cities in western Iran’s Kurdish region.
US threatened to withhold interceptors after clash with Saudi Arabia over Hormuz escorts - report
According to the WSJ, Saudi Arabia refused to allow the United States to use its bases and airspace for the mission. In retaliation, the White House threatened to withhold interception systems.
Iranian political prisoner accused of conspiring with Israel brutally beaten in prison
He was left with broken ribs, broken hands, and facial injuries after he was attacked in Qazvin Central Prison in Iran, human rights groups said on Wednesday, sharing images of the injuries.
Iran threatening Tehran's historic Qavam Church in latest move against Iranian Christian minority
“Six security forces went into the church and sat through a session, saying they wanted to ‘identify’ people,” said Sasan Tavassoli, a US-based minister with the Presbyterian Church in Iran.
