Lebanon–Iran tensions deepen as foreign minister challenges Tehran
“Iran’s role is extremely negative, and its policies are among the chief sources of instability in Lebanon and the region,” Raggi wrote on social media.
Middle East
Jewish antiquities dealer arrested in Damascus on charges of illegal trafficking in artifacts
Netanyahu, US envoy Barrack meet in Israel for talks on Syria security deal
Syria at crossroads as it scrambles to hunt down terrorists behind attack on US forces - analysis
Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate hospitalized twice after violent arrest, family says
She told her family she was taken to the hospital emergency room twice after being accused of "cooperating with the Israeli government" and receiving death threats from security forces.
Syria seizes missile depot in Daraa countryside near Israeli border in bid to increase security
The operation comes as part of Syrian authorities’ efforts to enhance surveillance of the southern borders and prevent illegal weapons from reaching sensitive areas.
Iranians take to social media to show support for Jews, Israel after Bondi Beach terror shooting
“This regime is the root cause of global terror and instability,” one user wrote, as others called for the implementation of the Cyrus Accords and for Israel to destroy the regime.
Son of former Iranian ambassador to Australia posts antisemitic message hours before Sydney attack
Citing statements by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Abyaneh wrote that “spiritual defense” during Jewish Hanukkah ceremonies is “necessary.”
Hamas marks 38 years since its founding, cites October 7 massacre as milestone
In a statement on December 14, Hamas tied its anniversary to the October 7 attacks and alleged Israeli violations of a ceasefire framework, as mediators continued talks on a broader deal.
Syria arrests five ISIS-affiliated suspects over shooting of US, Syrian troops in Palmyra
The attack was barely a month after Syria announced it had signed a political cooperation agreement with the US-led coalition against ISIS.
Hamas demanded displaced Gazans pay rent on beach tents amid torrential downpour, IDF reveals
Hamas is forcing displaced residents in al-Qarara to pay rent for tent spaces on the Gaza coast after their homes were destroyed, according to the IDF’s Arabic spokesperson.
How is Iran responding to the attack on Jews in Australia? - analysis
After the Bondi Beach mass murder, Iranian state media avoided praise but sought to link the antisemitic attack to the Gaza war, while pro-Iran commentators justified the killings.
'Now a normal country': UN set to end Iraq mission UNAMI after two decades
The UN will close its assistance mission in Iraq after more than two decades, ending a presence launched following the 2003 US invasion, as Baghdad says it is now self-reliant.
Israel investigating whether Iran involved in deadly Bondi Beach shooting
Israeli intelligence has warned that Tehran has been targeting Jewish communities abroad, reportedly smuggling weapons and using social media cells to incite violence.
