Middle East

U.S. is in Syria until Iranian ‘commanded forces’ leave

The US State Department had not spelled out a clear policy, and the Pentagon didn’t seem to know if removing Iran and Iranian proxies was actually the official stance.

Syria claims it has killed ISIS commander in new offensive

This is good news for Damascus in its war against ISIS and points to a strengthening of the regime’s control near the US base at al-Tanf in southern Syria.

Iranian workers protest against government as U.S. sanctions take its toll

The protests come as Iran’s economy has been hard-hit by U.S. sanctions, which were reimposed November 5 after the United States withdrew from the 2016 Iran nuclear deal in May.

CIA believes Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing

The CIA had briefed other parts of the US government, including Congress, on its assessment, which contradicts Saudi government assertions that Prince Mohammed was not involved.

Senior IRGC commander: Israeli agent killed in September strikes on Kurds

The strikes targeted the headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party-Iran in Koya.

Car plant shows limits to Iran's economic ambitions in Syria

The plant was set up before Syria's war began as the two allies tried to bring their economies closer together and was restarted in 2016 on Tehran's orders.

U.S. offers $5m. reward for the capture of Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri

State Department also announced reward for the capture of two senior Hezbollah leaders.

Can Saudi Arabia compete as Iran flexes its economic muscles in Iraq?

Riyadh and Tehran's competition for influence in the Middle East has in recent years led to Tehran strengthening its allies in Damascus, Beirut and Baghdad.

In the Middle East, WWI centenary is reminder of continuing conflict

Millions in Middle East suffered in WWI, but region largely shrugs off centenary. A look at what happened in 1918 and after.

Iran army official: Any war Zionists start will lead to them being erased

Brig.-Gen. Hossein Salami also claimed that Iran was improving its ballistic missiles.

Rouhani says new U.S. sanctions have no effect on Iran economy

"The sanctions have had no impact on our economy because America had already used all the weapons at its disposal and there was nothing new to use against us," Rouhani said.

Analysts: Saudi nuclear research appears to not be an immediate threat

Possible Experts skeptical of the kingdom’s plans to build 16 reactors, which they believe is motivated by a desire to counter Iranian influence.

New Egypt envoy: We’re committed to peace

Rivlin said that it gave him a lot of pleasure and satisfaction to welcome the ambassador of Jordan, the country with which Israel has the longest border.

Khashoggi murder complicates U.S.-Arab alliance against Iran

A senior Trump administration official denied on Tuesday that Khashoggi's death complicated progress on the alliance, saying that MESA "is much larger than one country and one issue."

Car bomb targets Mosul in Iraq

Restaurants have been targeted in the past.

Portraits of the dilemma the Druze face as a religious minority in Israel

Shadi Khatib talks with the ‘Magazine’ about the dilemmas facing the country’s smallest religious minority, the Nation-State Law, and the desire to be treated like an equal Israeli citizen.

VOICES FROM THE ARAB PRESS: Is Israel the biggest loser?

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

Cairo contests Palestinian claim that Egyptian forces killed Gaza fisherman

Israel maintains a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip and sets a varying fishing limit, which currently extends to a maximum of nine nautical miles.

U.S. hopes Russia will keep letting Israel hit Iran in Syria

“Israel has an existential interest in blocking Iran from deploying long-range power projection systems."

Sisi earns role as 'agitater' following potato comment

Facebook hashtags including #fatsagainstthepresident and #togetheragainstfrenchfries poked fun at both Sisi's remarks, with one Facebook post calling for a campaign for a nation with no potatoes.

Saudi Arabia signs deal with Spain to make navy ships

The Spanish defense industry has come under fire for supplying weapons to Saudi Arabia because of concerns their use is causing civilian casualties in Yemen.

Iran is 'off the table' for Chinese passenger plane deal

"No, we cannot sell to Iran. Iran is off the table," Zhao Yuerang, general manager of manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, said.

US report: Iran provoking and threatening the US in Syria and Iraq

Defense Department Inspector General presents sobering report on Iran's influence and unclear US policy to confront Iran's role in Iraq and Syria.

Russia's sole aircraft carrier damaged after crane crashes into it

Touted as a symbol of power by Moscow, the 'Admiral Kuznetsov' had been deployed to the Mediterranean to take part in the Syrian conflict.

Report: Iranians with fake Israeli passports detained in Bulgaria

It is unclear, how they traveled through Turkey and why they sought to enter Bulgaria posing as Israelis.