Middle East

Israel downplays reports of possible breakthrough in Israel-Bahrain ties

Regional Cooperation Minister Tzachi Hanegbi 'not aware' of any concrete steps in the direction.

Saudi Arabia's women drivers get ready to steer their lives

Saudi-led coalition storms Yemen's Hodeidah airport compound

The capture of the airport would be an important gain for the Western-backed coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Cutting off Iran’s 'road to the sea' in Syria

A US official claims Israel struck Iranian-backed Iraqi militia in Syria, and now Tehran must think twice about moving fighters across the porous border.

On Twitter, Iranians condemn, support arrest of alleged spy Gonen Segev

"Perhaps it will be difficult for you to believe, but Netanyahu is also our spy," one tweet reads. "Didn't you see that he wanted to solve our water crisis?"

Iran's president to visit Switzerland, Austria amid nuclear deal row

The Swiss government said Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif would attend meetings on July 2 and 3 with four Swiss cabinet members, including President Alain Berset.

Arab aircraft hammer Houthis around airport of major Yemen port

The upsurge in fighting has wounded dozens of civilians and prevented aid organizations from reaching parts of Hodeidah.

Mystery surrounds overnight airstrikes on pro-Syrian regime fighters

After Syrian regime blamed US, and US denied the attacks, questions remain over who carried out airstrikes in strategic Euphrates valley that allegedly killed pro-Iranian militia members.

Syria state media says U.S. bombs Syrian positions; U.S. denies report

Last week, Assad said he regarded the United States as an occupying power in Syria.

Are Netanyahu’s messages to the Iranians working?

The current video was able to trigger a discussion in Iran and annoy the leaders because it is dealing with a very acute and sensitive problem now for Iran: water issues.

Taliban say ceasefire ends at midnight after Eid euphoria

Ghani's office has yet to declare a new timeframe for the extended government ceasefire.

Report: Iranian-backed Syrian militias change uniforms, head toward Golan

Syrian rebel sources claim up to 500 Iranian-backed militia and members of Hezbollah changed uniforms and are digging in near the Golan in preparation for a major offensive.

U.N. special envoy Angelina Jolie meets Syrian refugees in northern Iraq

The Hollywood actress toured the Domiz camp, home to 33,000 refugees from Syria's seven-year conflict.

How terrorist groups use minerals, stones and drugs to finance their ops

Extremist groups making up to $300 million annually by smuggling contraband from Afghanistan to Pakistan and then beyond.

Head of Russia's Military Police in Israel to discuss Syria

Meetings between Russian and Israeli officials have increased in recent weeks.

Khamenei: Israel illegitimate, referendum should decide fate of Palestine

Khamenei also attacked Arab states that have strengthened ties with Israel in the face of the perceived Iranian threat.

U.N.: Parts of missiles fired at Saudi Arabia came from Iran

The United Nations has not been able to determine when the missiles, components or related technology were transferred from Iran and if they violated UN restrictions.

In response to economic upheaval, King Abdullah swears in a new cabinet

The broad-based popular protests were led by middle class professionals, unemployed graduates and youth who feel alienated and disenfranchised.

Report: Hezbollah refuses to comply with Russian demand to leave Syria

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports Hezbollah will not withdraw from western and southwestern borders of Homs with Lebanon as the Russians demanded.

Voices from the Arab press: New Russian-Emirati Partnership

A selection of stories from the Arab press this week.

Donors 'dismayed' at idea they want to keep Syrians in Lebanon

Over a million refugees from Syria currently reside in Lebanon.

Civilians flee bombardment as Arab states pound Yemen port

Arab warplanes and warships pounded Houthi fortifications to support ground operations by foreign and Yemeni troops massed south of the port of Hodeidah in operation "Golden Victory."

'Catastrophic' risk of death for 300,000 Yemeni children trapped by attack

The biggest battle in a three-year war, which has already created the world's biggest humanitarian crisis, centers on Hodeidah.

Report: Syrian army boosts air defenses near Golan frontier

Last month, Israel accused Damascus-allied Iranian forces of launching a rocket salvo across the frontier.

Are Israeli officials in dreamland over the Korea talks?

It’s understandable why Israel would want US President Donald Trump to score a tough nuclear deal with North Korea. It's less understandable they expect any kind of deal would put pressure on Iran.