Iran had highest number of executions in over a decade, human rights report says
Iran's treatment of prisoners in 2025 was also rife with abuses, according to the report, with 2,513 cases of prisoners being held in inappropriate conditions.
Middle East
Iran-linked hack group Handala publishes vaguely threatening poem addressed to Netanyahu
Purchases of iPhone 17 Pro soar across Gaza amid 'limited' humanitarian aid, reports suggest
Iran's President Pezeshkian: 'We are in full-fledged war with America, Israel, and Europe'
Hamas set to elect new terror leader with Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Mashaal in pole position - report
According to Asharq, Hayya is expected to win due to his popularity in the Gaza Strip and involvement in Hamas operations in the West Bank.
Syrian Kurdish commander vows 'all efforts' to save integration deal with Damascus
His comments came days after deadly clashes between SDF units and Syrian government forces around Aleppo prompted both sides to order their fighters to halt fire.
Iraqi militias may disarm over US-Israel threats, 30 million light weapons outside state control
With 90% of Iranian-backed groups agreeing to surrender weapons, experts warn that secret stockpiles, divided loyalties, and political bargaining could undermine the process.
Voices from the Arab press: As war postponed in Lebanon, another escalates in Syria
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.
Sharaa's Syria stands at political impasse as Aleppo violence reflects deep divisions
BEHIND THE LINES: The Turkish foreign minister said, “We see that the SDF has no real intention of making significant progress in the negotiations on integration with the Damascus administration.”
Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah arrives in UK after release from Egyptian prison
Abd el-Fattah, 44, has become Egypt's most prominent political prisoner after spending much of his adult life in and out of detention for his criticism of the Egyptian government.
UNIFIL says IDF forces fire impacted close by, one soldier 'wounded by gunfire, explosion sound'
Israeli operations affected one of their patrol, with gunfire and an explosion impacting near their forces, according to a report by UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon.
Houthi leader says future rounds of fighting with Israel likely
The terror organization's leader additionally decried US involvement in the region and urged his followers to remain in “a state of constant vigilance, with a high jihadist spirit."
Months later: Jordan receives body of terrorist who killed two IDF soldiers at Allenby Crossing
The terrorist, Abdul Muttalib Al-Qaisi, worked as a humanitarian aid truck driver.
Sectarian attack: Eight dead, 21 injured in Homs mosque incident targeting Alawite minority
Local official Issam Naameh told Reuters the blast took place during Friday noon prayers, typically the busiest time for mosques.
