Yemen's Houthis ready to join Iran war if needed, raising new shipping risk
If the Houthis open a new front in the conflict, one obvious target would be the Bab al-Mandab Strait off the coast of Yemen, a key shipping chokepoint.
Middle East
Rubio holds call with Iraqi Kurdish leader, State Department says
US may consider sending 10,000 ground troops to Middle East, IDF continues Tehran strikes
Trump says he was told Mojtaba Khamenei may be gay, spotlighting Iran’s brutal anti-gay persecution
US considers sending additional 10,000 ground troops to Middle East amid Iran talks - report
The force is likely to include both infantry and armored vehicles, in addition to the 82nd Airborne Division already deployed to the region, according to the WSJ.
Iranian regime hardliners ramp up calls for a nuclear bomb, sources claim
One of the sources alleged there was no plan to change Iran's nuclear doctrine yet and claimed that the regime had not decided to seek a bomb, despite enriching uranium.
Iranian security forces accused of using civilians as cover to avoid strikes
According to the testimonies, security forces have begun assembling in schools and universities, as well as establishing checkpoints to deliberately create traffic congestion as a human shield.
Iran's stolen futures: The arrested Iranians at risk of execution by the regime
IRAN AFFAIRS: Since protests began on December 28, more thousands of Iranians have been arrested for “crimes against the state,” and many face long-term imprisonment or worse, execution.
Explosions heard across Tehran after IDF announces wave of strikes on regime terror targets
Targets included regime launching sites, weapon manufacturing sites in Isfahan and Parchin, as well as a Quds Force site in central Iran.
Trump says Iran's 'present' to US was allowing ten oil tankers through Hormuz
Trump made the comments at a Cabinet meeting in the White House, elaborating on what he had previously described as an energy-related "present" from Iran.
Gulf countries seeking seat at negotiation table following Iranian attacks
“The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stressed on Thursday the importance of Gulf states participating in any talks between Iran and the United States to end the war in the Middle East,” UAE news said.
Tensions build in Lebanon as Hezbollah targets church, some close doors to displaced Shi'ites
A source told the independent Lebanon-based Murr Television station that no soldiers had taken refuge in the church, but that it had been the reason given for attacking the Christian institute.
Iran-backed Iraqi militias attack Kurdistan over 450 times since beginning of war
“The attacks, carried out by Iran and its aligned Iraqi militia groups, have killed at least 14 people and wounded 85 others," Erbil-based Rudaw Media Network noted.
No US-Iran talks ‘appear realistic’ at the moment, senior Iranian official tells Reuters
The official stated that Iran has reviewed a US 15-point proposal for ending the ongoing war in the Middle East and deemed it “one-sided and unfair,” serving only US and Israeli interests.
