Trump’s Maliki message underscores Iraq’s growing strategic risk, won't back him as PM - analysis
Maliki was last in charge in 2014, when ISIS took over part of Iraq. He spent years in the wilderness before returning to the spotlight.
Middle East
New security accord between Syria, SDF points to structural realignment, implementation uncertain
KLM resumes flights to Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia after announcing it would avoid Middle East
Islamic regime targeting dissidents, Israelis in new wave of advanced phishing attacks
Why the Rafah crossing reopening is a critical test for Gaza’s ceasefire - analysis
“After months of a ceasefire and demands from humanitarian organizations to open it without obstacles, Israel will beginthe process of partially reopening the Rafah crossing," Al-Ain media reported.
Iran designates EU armies as terror groups while MPs don IRGC uniforms
“The Revolutionary Guard is the largest anti-terrorism organization in the world,” a banner that was raised at the Speaker’s podium, the report said. The IRGC flag was also raised.
US inaction would ‘embolden’ Iran after denial of airspace access, Saudi defense minister warns
“At this point, if this doesn’t happen, it will only embolden the regime,” said Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.
Khamenei warns Trump: An American attack on Iran will lead to regional conflict
The comment follows US President Donald Trump telling reporters aboard Air Force One that Iran is "seriously" talking to the US and hinted at a deal to avoid military strikes.
Iran’s diplomatic scramble to gather allies against US - analysis
Iran's current goal appears to be getting some countries that have influence with the United States to intercede on its behalf in order to avoid potential military action.
Iranian official says work on framework for negotiations with US is progressing
Top Iranian security official Ali Larijani stated that "the formation of a structure for #negotiations is underway" in a statement released on social media.
US issues sanctions on six Iranian officials for crackdown on protesters as rial hits record low
The sanctions will target six officials who “oversee the Iranian security forces responsible for the violent crackdowns on protesters,” including Iran’s minister of the interior.
Six killed in two explosions across Iran, Israel denies involvement
Both explosions in Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz were caused by a gas leak, Iranian authorities claimed. The IRGC refuted social media rumors that naval officials died in the blasts.
Iranian President Pezeshkian claims foreign powers provoked protests to 'tear the nation apart'
"Regime change is a complete fantasy. Some have fallen for this illusion," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told CNN Turk.
Khamenei reappears in public for Islamic Republic's 47th anniversary celebrations amid protests
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a public appearance to pray at the tomb of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini, according to a post on his official X account.
