Middle East

Google access restored in Iran following internet blackout, IRGC-linked Tasnim claims

The internet blackout started at approximately 8:30 p.m. on January 8 during nationwide anti-regime protest activity across the Islamic Republic.

Kurdish commander calls on US to 'intervene forcefully' in Syria clashes

Members of the Kurdish Internal Security Forces known as "Asayish", and residents rally during a demonstration against the attacks by the Syrian government forces and in support of Kurdish fighters in Qamishli, the main Kurdish city in the country's northeast on January 18, 2026.

Are Iraqi militias and Afghan fighters suppressing protests in Iran? - analysis

People gather during protest on January 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

'Muslim NATO': Turkey in advanced talks to join Saudi-Pakistan mutual defense pact

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan talks with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud as Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar looks on, before their meeting on Gaza, in Istanbul, Turkey, November 3, 2025.

Syria's power struggle: Who controls what, and why fighting continues - analysis

For some commentators, the current conflict in Syria boils down to the new Syrian government attacking Kurdish forces. While this is correct in some ways, it is also very simplistic.

JANUARY 18, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

A group of civilians carry bags and belongings as they flee following renewed clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces, in Aleppo, Syria, January 7, 2026

As Iran employs 'absolute digital isolation,' Al Jazeera still broadcasts from Tehran - report

'The Jerusalem Post' was unable to verify additional foreign media outlets where reporters have successfully broadcast from within Iranian territory.

JANUARY 18, 2026BySHIR PERETS

Protesters hold placards during a rally in support of the Iranian people in Paris, France, on January 17, 2026.

‘We embrace peace’: Gaza’s technocratic committee announces NCAG’s mission statement

Under the guidance of the US President Donald Trump-appointed Board of Peace, NCAG leader Ali Shaath promised to build the foundations for the Gaza Strip to have a prosperous future.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD

DR. ALI Shaath, leader of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, signs the NCAG Mission Statement.

Syria's government faces pivotal moment against SDF, as it retakes largest oil field - analysis

Overnight on January 17 and 18, there were major changes on the ground as Arab tribal fighters claimed to seize control of a number of villages and two oil fields on the East side of the Euphrates.

JANUARY 18, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Soldiers from the Syrian Democratic Forces stand in front of the detainees before the first exchange operation between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government in Aleppo, Syria, April 3, 2025.

Iran admits over 5,000 killed in protests, while local doctors say death toll more than triple

Reports from doctors on the ground stated that at least 16,500 protesters have died and 330,000 have been injured, according to testimony within Iran shared with the 'Sunday Times.'

JANUARY 18, 2026ByREUTERS, SHIR PERETS

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026.

Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln en route to Middle East as US mulls over Iran strike options

The moves, reported since late Friday, came as US officials and regional militaries coordinated on contingency planning for possible Iranian retaliation.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByAMIR BOHBOT

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Pacific Ocean August 10, 2024

Iran's FM reassured Witkoff on 'canceled' executions, prompting Trump to call off strikes - report

Steve Witkoff, in contact with Iran's FM Abbas Araghchi via text, reportedly "defused the situation" by informing Trump that the Iranian government had canceled planned executions.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByTZVI JASPER