Syria denies plans to send troops to Yemen as Saudi military ties deepen
Saudi Arabia has been locked in worsening hostilities with the Iran-backed Houthis since July, when the wider conflict in the Middle East reignited the Yemen war.
Middle East
Not destroying Iran's missiles, drones 'most significant failure,' former CENTCOM deputy cmdr. says
Expanding on naval blockade, US military to create task force to restrict Iranian land commerce
Syria foils alleged Hezbollah plot as cleric warns of Iranian plans to disrupt oil supplies
Iran executes Baloch man over armed attack on police station
Iranian media identified him as a member of Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni group that has carried out numerous attacks on security forces near the border with Pakistan.
US offers reward of up to $20 million, possible relocation for information on Iran nuclear program
Rewards for Justice, dedicated to gathering information on terrorism and hostile foreign operations, issued a new offer for information, including nuclear facilities, equipment, and personnel.
Qatar reports progress in US-Iran talks as Middle East braces for possible escalation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said Washington remains willing to reach a deal after the midterms, as Tasnim reported two missiles struck Qeshm Island.
Turkey is supporting Iraqi attempts to combat ISIS threats to Kirkuk, other regions
Turkey has interests in Kirkuk and the city of Tal Afar. The Turkish Ministry of Defense said, “We welcome Iraq’s reinforcement of outposts and observation posts along the border."
Political division, crisis in Kurdistan region of Iraq could provide Iran with opening
“The first decision of the PUK leadership following this thing [parliament reactivation] is that we will immediately withdraw from this failed government," Bafel Talabani, leader of PUK said.
US, Canada sanction eight money service firms over links to Iran
The sanctions effectively cut the firms off from the dollar-based financial system, blocking any assets that the firms may have in the United States.
Trump says US carried out 'minor strikes' on Iran’s Qeshm Island after explosions, aircraft heard
Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said earlier that initial reports indicated that two missiles had struck Qeshm Island, adding that there was no official information on possible damage.
Syria aids Saudi Arabia with military advice, training amid Houthi attacks, sources say
The diplomat said a Syrian-Saudi defense cooperation deal signed on Wednesday "specifically includes advisory support, training and exchange of expertise."
Shippers wishing to cross Bab al-Mandab email Houthis for permits, sign up for alerts - report
Emails are sent to an administrative entity established by the Houthis in early 2024 called the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center, which handles applications.
Iran says it downed US MQ-1 drone over Qeshm Island
The claim follows an explosion believed to have been caused by a missile attack on an oil products tanker in the Gulf earlier on Thursday, killing one seafarer, the ship's manager said on Friday.
