Mojtaba Khamenei thanks Iraq for support during war in rare message since becoming Supreme Leader
The message did not include any evidence that Khamenei, who has not been publicly seen since the war began last month, is alive.
Middle East
Attacks on Syria’s Christian community fuel distrust of Sharaa regime
‘Eroding shield’: Iran’s evolving attack strategy aims for interceptor shortage, report reveals
Protests erupt in Syrian Christian city Al-Suqaylabiyah, demand security accountability
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to CPAC: A free Iran is within reach right now
In his CPAC address, Reza Pahlavi urges for a free Iran, rejects any partial settlements with the regime, and presents Iran as a future democratic partner of the US and Israel.
Iran risks renewed protests as citizens reach 'breaking point' amid war-stricken economy
Over 40% of Iran's population lives below the absolute poverty line, with that figure exceeding 50% in the capital. Economists warn, however, that the real poverty rate may have climbed above 60%.
Why the Houthis waited until now to strike - analysis
The Houthis successfully hid missiles in caves for years, and the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and others were not able to stop the missile and drone attacks or dislodge the group.
Israel scales back top missile defenses as Iranian attacks keep coming - report
Stockpile concerns push the defense establishment to rely on less advanced systems, with mixed results.
Pakistan to host talks with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt amid Iran war diplomacy
The four countries will hold "in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region."
Drone, missile attacks escalate across Gulf, target key energy sites
On Saturday, a drone fell in Iraq's Majnoon oil field, but did not explode, according to the country's Defense Ministry.
Voices from the Arab press: Hezbollah in state of crisis, Strait of Hormuz paralyzed
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.
IDF kills Hezbollah terrorist who worked as journalist in targeted southern Lebanon strike
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the incident, claiming that the strike "violates the most basic principles of international law, international humanitarian law, and the laws of war."
Who are the Houthis, Iran’s allies in Yemen? - explainer
Heavily armed and capable of striking Gulf neighbors, any involvement in the Iran conflict by the Houthis could cause major disruption to maritime navigation around the Arabian Peninsula.
US using anti-tank land mines in Iran's Shiraz to neutralize ballistic missile launchers - report
According to The Washington Post, the mines used were American BLU-91/B anti-tank land mines, which are deployed by aircraft using the Gator mine scattering system.
