Middle East

Hezbollah seeks ‘to attack and storm banks’ in Lebanon – report

The bank source said “any street protest would create concern and confusion among the people," adding “Banks play no role in the sanctions.”

U.N. Security Council concerned by situation in Syria

The U.N. Security Council "expressed deep concern over the risk of the dispersion of terrorists from U.N.-designated groups, including ISIL..."

Graham on Syria: 'could create bigger disaster than Obama leaving Iraq'

Sen. Graham responded to Trump's earlier statement that claimed "the conflict was between Turkey and Syria and that it was "fine" for Russia to help Damascus"

Trump officials rush to Turkey as Moscow advances

The administration is trying to contain the fallout from Erdogan's decision to send forces last week to attack Syrian Kurdish militia that were Washington's close allies.

From Iran to Turkey, US browbeaten by 'war' narrative

Reports indicate, that the “if you don’t do this, there will be war,” threat was used during the phone call between Erdogan and Trump.

Turkey's Halkbank dismisses U.S. charges, Erdogan calls them 'ugly'

U.S. prosecutors on Tuesday charged the state-owned lender with taking part in a multibillion-dollar scheme to evade U.S. sanctions on Iran.

Turkey using Israeli-upgraded tanks in anti-Kurd offensive in Syria

Between 2003-2010 around 170 M60-A1 tanks were upgraded by IMI at a cost of $687 million.

France worried by new phase in Iran's breaching of nuclear pact

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Tehran was working on advanced IR-9 centrifuges for uranium enrichment.

Turkey arrests 24 over criticism of Syria offensive

Since the start of the operation, authorities have carried out a widespread crackdown on individuals criticizing the Turkish operation, including Kurdish lawmakers.

Iranian MP blames Israel, U.S., Saudis for tanker attack

The MP told the Iranian Mehr news agency that “a video captured by cameras installed on the tanker show the attack was carried out by the US, the Zionist regime and Saudi Arabia.”

Yemeni government, UAE-backed separatists to sign Aden ceasefire

Saudi Arabia has hosted indirect talks between them to rebuild the coalition fighting against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that expelled Hadi's government from the capital Sanaa five years ago.

Soccer coach who worked in Iran: I never met anyone who favors regime

Winfried Schäfer also said that Iranians are scared, in a way that is hard to understand for someone who does not live in the country.

U.S. carried out secret cyber strike on Iran in wake of Saudi oil attack - report

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the operation took place in late September and took aim at Tehran's ability to spread "propaganda."

Erdogan says Turkey will never declare ceasefire in northern Syria -NTV

The YPG, the key component of the forces who fought Islamic State, is seen by Ankara as a terrorist group linked to Kurdish separatist insurgents in Turkey.

Lebanese blame government for blazes

Activists, experts call state’s preparedness a failure in face of seasonal wildfires

Russia says 'unacceptable' Turkish incursion into Syria must be temporary

In Russia's strongest criticism since Turkey launched its military operation last week, President Vladimir Putin's envoy for Syria indicated Moscow wanted Ankara to wrap up its offensive soon.

Hundreds rally in support of the Kurds in Tel Aviv

"The Kurds stopped a world-wide disaster. Israel could and should do more.”

Soccer match, Abbas visit to Riyadh a sign of warming ties

A PA official said that the Saudis need the Palestinians as much as the Palestinians need them because they are facing widespread criticism from many Arabs because of their role in war in Yemen.

Iran economy to shrink 9.5% this year amid tighter U.S. sanctions - IMF

The fund said Iran, along with other emerging market economies, continues to experience "very severe macroeconomic distress."

The scramble for eastern Syria: ISIS prisoners, Russia, Assad, Turkey

Eastern Syria was plunged into chaos by the Trump decision, but attempts to make the ship a bit more stable have also been frustrated by how large and complex the area is.

RAFAEL delivers first TROPHY APS to the U.S. Army

Four tank brigades expected to be outfitted with defense system.

Volkswagen postpones final decision on Turkey plant

European Union countries agreed on Monday to limit arms exports to Turkey, while U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Turkey.

Turkey detains four Kurdish mayors in dawn raids

The HDP said 151 of its members, including district officials, had been detained over the past week since Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies launched the assault.

Massive wildfires rage in Lebanon, arson suspected

Some officials called out the Lebanese government for not responding better to the emergency situation.

Tunisia's president elect: Normalization with 'Zionist entity' is treachery

"This is my view on the Zionist entity and it will not change... We are in a situation of war with Zionism, and normalization is treachery."