Browsing Tag
middle east
140 posts
Oman reports 770 new Covid-19 cases, 198,572 in total
Muscat, May 6 : The Omani health ministry on Wednesday announced 770 new Covid-19 cases, raising the total…
Iran urges closer defence cooperation with Russia
TEHRAN, April 14: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday called for boosting defense cooperation with Russia, Tasnim news…
Iran Covid cases pass two million, daily caseload reaches new record high: Health Ministry
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Iran passed the two million mark Thursday, the health ministry announced,…
EU set to sanction more Iranians for rights abuses, first since 2013, diplomats say
The European Union is set to agree to sanction several Iranian individuals on Wednesday for human rights abuses,…
Iran vows to continue supports for Syria in anti-terror war
The two sides also urged the western states to abide by the UN Security Council resolutions on Syria, said the report.
Russia welcomes Iran-IAEA deal to continue essential nuclear verification
The IAEA and Iran have made a "tangible" contribution to the formation of conditions for the start of "a substantive conversation"
Nuclear weapons have no place in defence program: Iran prez Hassan Rouhani
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani reiterated that the Islamic Republic's definite determination not to produce or store weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), including nuclear weapons, official news agency IRNA reported.
Iraq reports 2,282 new Covid-19 cases, 634,539 in total
The Iraqi Ministry of Health has frequently attributed the increase of Covid-19 infections to the public's failure to comply with health instructions.
At least 3 killed in Mogadishu hotel attack: security sources
Somalia’s al-Shabab armed group attacks hotel in Mogadishu
Several killed as bomb blast hits Afrin in northern Syria
Turkish defence ministry says five people killed and more than 20 wounded in attack at an industrial site at the centre of town.
Saudi Arabia, the Largest Producer of Oil, Will Now Create a City Without Cars or Roads
A Saudi statement said construction would start in the first quarter of 2021 and that the city was expected to contribute $48 billion to the kingdom's gross domestic product and create 380,000 jobs.
Three rockets target US embassy in Baghdad: Iraqi officials
The C-RAM system was installed by the US over the summer, as armed groups stepped up rocket attacks targeting the embassy and its premises.
Trump’s decision to cut troops in Afghanistan creates policy vacuum
New York: President Donald Trump’s decision at his administration’s sunset to pull back US troops from Afghanistan and…
Turkey to impose measures to combat coronavirus, Erdogan says
ISTANBUL: Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that the government will impose tighter measures to fight with…
Rockets target US embassy in Iraq, month into truce: Source
Several rockets targeted the US embassy in Iraq’s capital late Tuesday, killing at least one child and injuring…
Trump to order further drawdown from Afghanistan, Iraq: Reports
Soon after taking office, Miller, a US special forces veteran who fought wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, indicated he might accelerate the pace to pull U.S. troops out of Afghanistan.
Four Iranian companies start human trials for Covid-19 vaccine
Tehran, Nov 17: Iran’s Health Minister Saeed Namaki said on Monday that four Iranian companies have started human…
Iraq reports highest 8,479 daily Covid-19 recoveries
Iraq has taken a series of measures to contain the pandemic since February when the first coronavirus case appeared in the country.
India asks Saudi Arabia to take corrective steps on bank note
The world map on the new 20 Riyal banknote, released to mark Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the G20 grouping, does not feature Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as part of India.
Crude oil: Biden presidency likely to be a huge win for the Middle East
A Biden win will likely be an upward catalyst for oil prices because it will increase costs for shale patch and will likely result in a weaker U.S. dollar, the report said.
Iran and Saudi Arabia: China’s new launch pads in the Middle East
Two years ago, the Washington Post had reported, based on analysis of satellite pictures, that Saudi Arabia was making a missile factory near the central Saudi town of Al-Watah.
Instagram down, users reporting issues worldwide
New Delhi, Sep 18 : Instagram users, including from the US, the UK, Middle East and India, took…
Iran’s president opens new academic year amid COVID-19 challenges
Iran’s Education Ministry announced plans for reopening schools in low-risk regions and said that classes of high-risk regions would be held online.
Mideast countries differ on Bahrain-Israel normalization deal
But Jordan, the second Arab country to sign a peace deal with Israel in 1994, sounded a more cautious note.
French president says to support Iraq in military, reconstruction
This is Macron's first official trip to Iraq. He is also the first presidential-level official to visit Iraq since al-Kadhimi took office in May.
Red Cross official hopes for diplomatic talks as Libya’s humanitarian crisis worsens
On Tuesday, Haftar lifted the blockade on oil production, according to the head of Libya's Petroleum Facilities Guards.
Pompeo says US to keep Israel’s military edge
Last week, local Israeli media reported that the White House is planning a “giant” sale of F-35 warplanes as part of the deal.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas ‘rejects and denounces’ UAE-Israel deal
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denounced Israel’s accord with the United Arab Emirates in a statement issued by his…
Trump announces normalization of ties between Israel and UAE
“After 49 years, Israel and the United Arab Emirates will fully normalise their diplomatic relations — This is a truly historic moment,” Trump said.
Wipro eyes UK, Europe expansion, acquires Salesforce partner 4C
4C has successfully delivered over 1,500 projects, for more than 500 customers to date.
More advanced equipment to replace damaged part of Iran n-site
Natanz, located some 250 km south of Tehran, includes underground facilities buried under some 25 feet of concrete, which offers protection from airstrikes.
Iraq confirms 2,312 new Covid-19 cases; 102 more deaths
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, Iraq has been taking measures to contain the pandemic.
Map for West Bank annexation isn’t ready: Netanyahu
More than 600,000 Jews live in about 140 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Coronavirus: Iraq records 1,146 new COVID-19 cases, tally touches 15,414
From March 7 to April 26, a Chinese team of seven medical experts spent 50 days in Iraq to help contain the disease, during which they helped build a PCR lab and an advanced CT scanner in Baghdad.
Libya pro-unity govt forces reseize Tripoli international airport
Al-Wefaq Libyan government announces the seizing of its control over the old Tripoli International Airport
US to end sanctions waivers on Iranian nuclear projects
The Trump administration withdrew Washington from the Iranian 2015 landmark nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed unilateral sanctions on Iran.
Saudi G20 presidency calls for COVID-19 financing
Riyadh, April 25: The Saudi Arabian Group of 20 (G20) presidency called upon the world for further financing…
Turkey replaces Iran as hardest-hit by COVID-19 in Middle East
As of Saturday, the number of confirmed cases in Iran reached 80,868, with the emergence of 1,374 new infections.
COVID-19 cases in Iran surpass 71,000
Cairo, April 13 : Iran reported 1,657 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the total number to 71,686…
Palestine warns Israel against annexation policy
The prime minister stressed the need for mobilizing international support for UNRWA to be able to play its vital role during the novel coronavirus crisis, according to the statement.
Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles above capital
On Friday, the Saudi-led coalition announced the interception of drones towards border cities Abha and Khamis Mushait.
Coronavirus cases in Kuwait rise to 195
In addition, six patients are being treated in ICU, and a total of 717 cases have completed the quarantine period, he added.
Coronavirus cases in Kuwait rise to 142
Kuwait City, March 18 : Kuwait has reported 12 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, bringing…
Rockets hit Iraq base hosting foreign troops
Baghdad, March 17: Rockets hit military base hosting foreign troops in Iraq. No word on casualties yet. No…
Israel confirms 14 new COVID-19 cases
Jerusalem, March 9 : Israel’s Ministry of Health announced on Sunday that 14 more Israelis were diagnosed with…
Iran ready for interaction, cooperation with Europe: Rouhani
He expressed the hope that under new EU representative the relations between the Islamic republic and Europe will improve.
Iraqi president names Mohammed Allawi new PM-designate
"If it wasn't for your sacrifices and courage there wouldn't have been any change in the country," he said.
Iraqi PM condemns rocket attack on US embassy in Baghdad
Baghdad, Jan 27: The Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Sunday condemned the rocket attack on…
Four rockets land near US embassy in Baghdad
On Friday, the Iraqi prominent Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr called for a scheduled withdrawal of the US troops from Iraq through peaceful means.
Iraqi Shia leader calls for scheduled pullout of US troops
"We will try to do our utmost not to throw Iraq into another war with the unjust occupier who perched on the chest of Iraq," al-Sadr said.
Greek leaders oppose upgrading defence cooperation with US
"Greece should not be considered a given ally by anyone. Trump as President does not respect the international law; we have witnessed what he has done in Iraq," Velopoulos said.
Two rockets hit Iraqi capital’s Green Zone: security sources
Iranian missiles hit two Iraqi bases hosting US troops amid rising tensions following US killing of Iran's Soleimani.
Erdogan, Putin call for restraint amid Iran-US escalation
Istanbul, Jan 9 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called…
Iran releases statement on Soleimani’s killing
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi has released condemning killing of General Ghasem…
Trump vows to target ’52’ sites if Tehran retaliates for Soleimani’s killing
Washington, Jan 5 : President Donald Trump warned Iran that the US has identified specific targets of Iran…
Mourners gather in Baghdad for Soleimani’s funeral procession
Baghdad, Jan 4 A huge crowd of mourners gathered in Iraq’s capital Baghdad on Saturday to participate in…
Mourners gather in Baghdad for Soleimani’s funeral procession
Soleimani's body will arrive in Iran on Saturday evening where authorities have declared three days of mourning.
Soleimani’s killing short-sighted step
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Maria Zakharova, also said that the US "wanted to change the balance of power in the region" by killing Gen Soleimani.
4 rockets hit military base near Baghdad, 6 injured
Baghdad, Dec 9 : Four rockets struck a military base near the Baghdad airport, leaving six army personnel…
Deadly car bombs target Turkish-held town in north Syria
The car bombs were detonated on Thursday in swift succession at the al-A'laf roundabout in Ras al-Ayn, the report said.
Iraqi Parliament approves PM’s resignation
Baghdad, Dec 2 : Iraq’s Parliament has accepted Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi’s resignation after two months of deadly…
Kuwait’s government resigns amid parliamentary scrutiny
Parliamentary elections for the 50-member National Assembly are expected in early 2020.
Iraqi forces shoot dead 13 protesters in renewed crackdown
After 8 people were killed on Monday, Iraqi security forces shot dead at least 5 others overnight or…
Iraqi president in push for early elections
At least 100 people were killed while over 5,000 were injured when the second wave of protests broke out on 25 October, according to the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights.
‘Syria offensive to resume if Kurds don’t withdraw’
Turkey has started making arrangements for the creation of a safe zone where some 2 million Syrian refugees will be settled.
Imran heads to Riyadh to defuse Iran-Saudi tensions
Islamabad, Oct 15 : Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will on Tuesday embark on a visit to Saudi…
Turkey, Qatar defence ministers discuss Turkish operation in Syria
The Turkish operation is being condemned by many Western and Arab nations, Qatar announced its support for Ankara.
Rocket hits near US embassy in Baghdad
BAGHDAD — Iraqi security officials say at least two rockets have been fired into the capital’s fortified Green…
UN sends experts to Saudi Arabia to probe oil attacks: diplomats
Saudi Arabia said Wednesday that strikes on its oil infrastructure came from the “north” and were “unquestionably” sponsored…
Iran hopes tensions in Middle East won’t escalate: Zarif
Abe, for his part, said that Japan will continue with its diplomatic efforts to try and ease the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Israel will defend itself by any means, says Netanyahu
Jerusalem, Aug 27: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hit back at the critics following a series of…
Japan urges Iran to keep to nuclear deal
Tokyo, July 8 (IANS) Japan on Monday urged Iran to follow its commitments under a 2015 nuclear agreement…
US-led coalition ‘killed 1,300 civilians in Syria, Iraq’
A UK-based monitoring group, however, said the true toll was much higher, estimating up to nearly 13,000 civilian fatalities, the BBC reported.
State of the Economy-IX: After consumption slowdown, India set to face wider trade deficit
New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) Impacted by a consumption slowdown, India’s economy faces another peril, that of rising…
US deploying missiles in Middle East amid Iran tensions
Washington, May 11 : The US is deploying additional Patriot missiles in the Middle East amid escalating tensions…
Khashoggi children ‘given houses, money by Saudi’
Riyadh, April 2 (IANS): The children of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi have received million-dollar houses in the…
Tolerance is UAE’s soul: Hindu priest
Abu Dhabi, Feb 4: A Hindu priest said here at an event that “tolerance is the soul” of…
Hezbollah chief warns Israel against continuing strikes in Syria
Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah, said that Israel must stop its “intolerable” attacks…
Top US naval commander in Middle East found dead
Washington, Dec 2 :A top admiral overseeing US Naval forces in the Middle East was found dead in…
Adel Abdul Mahdi sworn in as Iraq’s Prime Minister
Baghdad, Oct 25 : Adel Abdul Mahdi on Wednesday sworn in as new prime minister of Iraq after…
Israel opens Gaza crossings after tension subsides
The Israeli Defence Ministry said that a decision is yet to be made on allowing the supply of fuel to the Gaza Strip.
Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi killed inside consulate, detains 18
He went to the consulate on October 2 for paperwork needed for his upcoming wedding to his Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz.
Yemen’s new PM sworn in, vows to ease sufferings of Yemenis
According to state-run Saba news agency, Hadi congratulated the new Prime Minister and asked him to place economy and basic services as top priorities.
UN seeks immediate action to avoid another war in Gaza
United Nations, Oct 19 : The United Nations envoy for the Middle East, Nickolay Mladenov, has demanded that…
Six Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza protests
The Israel Defence Forces claimed in a statement that troops had responded to being thrown burning tires, stones, Molotov cocktails (firebombs) and hand grenades by using means of mass dispersion following standard protocol.
Netanyahu says Iran holds ‘secret atomic warehouse’
The Israeli prime minister also urged Yukiya Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, to check the suspected nuclear site.
Palestinians still committed to making just peace with Israel: Abbas
Jerusalem, Sep 14 (IANS) Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday that the Palestinian people are still committed…
Saudi Arabia warns possible floods in Mecca
Riyadh, Aug 20 (IANS) Saudi Meteorology Authority announced on Sunday of the possibility of floods in Mecca because…
Ready to meet Iranian President, says Trump
Washington, July 31 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Monday offered to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani without…
Syria rebels in south announce return to talks with Russia
Daraa (Syria) : – Rebels in Syria’s battered south were returning to talks with government ally Russia on…
US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal benefits no one: Rouhani
As the United States is reinstating sanctions on Iran, Rouhani is trying to seek supports from EU countries to secure Tehran's interests under the nuclear deal.
Earthquake rattles remote, mountainous southern Iran, over 100 injured
Rockfalls in some mountainous areas have blocked the roads to Yasooj, the capital city of Kohgiluye and Boyerahmad province.
Gaza protests : Use of Israeli gunfire on ‘Great March of Return’
The humanitarian situation has deteriorated because of the Israeli-led siege and the blockade of Gaza Strip, aided and abetted by the Egyptian regime.
US, Russia and the Middle East
Taking into account the current dynamics, the strikes have given a jolt to any political negotiations to end the seven-year conflict in Syria.
Power game by Saudi and Iran creates havoc in Middle East
In other words, Sunni-based extremist groups continue to carry out Saudi Arabia’s interest in undermining Iran and Iran’s Shia allies across the Middle East.
Tillerson to visit Middle East amid tensions
Washington, Feb 9: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will kick off a nearly week-long tour on Sunday to…
Germany’s Merkel arming the Middle East for geo-strategic influence
Chancellor Angela Merkel has shifted core stratagem of Germany’s foreign and security policies by exporting high tech weapons…
Refugees found frozen in Lebanon near Syria border
The bodies of nine Syrian refugees who crossed into Lebanon have been found frozen in a mountainous area…
Explosion Hits by Police Station in Southern Turkey
ANKARA, Turkey : Turkish media reports say a powerful explosion has occurred near a police station in a…
Attack on Libyan crude pipeline cuts output by up to 100,000 bpd | WeForNews
Pictures purportedly showing a huge cloud from the blast in central eastern Libya circulated on social media.
Protesters face off against security forces in Iraqi Kurdistan for 4th day
Hundreds of protesters faced off with security forces in Iraqi Kurdistan for a fourth day Thursday, demanding the…
Trump should avoid bringing chaos in Middle East
US President Donald Trump has formed an alliance with Saudi Arabia and Israel to counter Iran’s rise in…
‘Don’t buy from Arabs’, says Israeli Defense Minister
Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has called on his fellow citizens to boycott the Palestinian market of the…
Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel capital isolates US, sparks violence
With the announcement of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, President Donald Trump has reversed US policy in the Middle…
Hamas leader calls for ‘new intifada in the face of Israel’
Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has called for a new uprising against Israel following US President Donald Trump’s recognition…
France, Germany say Iran ‘must reverse’ ballistic missile program
France and Germany agree that Iran must reverse its ballistic missile program, Reuters quoted the French foreign minister…
Putin succeeds in defeating ISIS, supports U.N. effort to resolve Syria
Moscow and Russian military for eliminating ISIS in the two-year operation in the war-torn nation
World War III : Israel- Saudi alliance to counter Iran in Middle East while Trump plans to negotiate with Kim
As US President Donald Trump has again offered a diplomatic solution to North Korea by the so-called “freeze-for-freeze’…
US suspends non-immigrant visa services in Turkey
Ankara, Oct 9 : The United States Mission to Turkey on Sunday said that it has suspended processing…
EU sticks to Libya strategy on migrants, despite human rights concerns
After more than two years struggling to stem the flow of refugees and migrants from the Middle East and Africa, the EU is now showing signs of optimism that it is finally in control.
Deadly attack hits Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula
The latest attack in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula claims the lives of seven, following Monday's attack which killed 18.
Hotel In Mecca, Saudi Arabia Evacuated After Fire
Civil defence spokesman Nayef al-Sharif said no casualties were reported in the fire, which was sparked by a faulty air conditioning unit on the eighth floor of a hotel in the Azaziyah district of Mecca.
US-led airstrike kills 30 civilians in Syria
Damascus, July 25 : At least 30 civilians were killed when a US-led airstrike hit a prison run…
UN Mideast envoy calls for de-escalation of Temple Mount tensions
Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov says ‘moderate voices’ should speak up against those trying to fuel unrest.
Palestinian hospitals stretched with influx of wounded
Israeli forces have injured more than 900 Palestinians since clashes over al-Aqsa Mosque compound erupted on July 14.
Merkel urges Iraq to probe alleged human rights abuses in Mosul
BERLIN : – German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday urged Iraqi President Haidar al-Abadi to investigate alleged human…
20 Yemeni civilians killed in air strike: UN, witnesses
An air strike on a group of displaced Yemenis has killed at least 20 civilians, mostly from the…
China’s Xi reaffirms commitment to peace in the Middle East
Beijing – China will host a symposium between Israel and the Palestinians later this year, an official said…
US hits Iran with new economic sanctions
At least 16 individuals and entities targeted for backing 'illicit Iranian actors or transnational criminal activity'.
Saudi Arabia approves continuance of blockade against Qatar
Riyadh, July 17 : The Saudi Arabian cabinet on Monday approved continuance of the measures that four Arab…
UK foreign secretary urges dialogue to end Gulf rift
Boris Johnson is currently on a Gulf tour in bid to ease tension between Qatar and four other Arab states.
Qatar rivals look to next move in Cairo talks
Arab states that have cut ties with Qatar held talks in Egypt on Wednesday to discuss their next…
Saudi Arabia bans Al Jazeera channels in hotels
Saudi Arabia has banned hotels and tourist facilities from airing Al Jazeera news channels and threatened to punish…
Israel set to approve 2,500 settlement housing units
Israeli authorities will meet next week to approve new units in illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank.
Russia fires cruise missiles at ISIL targets in Syria
Four Kalibr cruise missiles, launched from warships in the Mediterranean, hit their targets near Palmyra, Kremlin says.
21 dead from attack on Syrian rebel base
Neither IS nor any other group, however, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
3 killed in 2 suicide car bombs in Iraq’s Basra
Baghdad, May 20 : At least three security members were killed and others wounded in two suicide car bomb…
Trump’s first trip to MidEast includes stop in West Bank
Washington, May 17, 2017: US President Donald Trump will meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem, West…
Palestinian shot dead by Israeli forces in Nabi Saleh
Saba Nidal Obaid, 20, was shot in the stomach while at demonstrations in support of 1,500 Palestinians on hunger strike.
Turkish President Erdogan in India; to hold talks with Modi
New Delhi, Apr 30 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived here today and will hold wide-ranging talks with…
Indo-Israel ties more visible under Modi govt: Israel
Carmon said Israel is fine with India having relations with it as well the Arab countries and noted that the scenario in the Middle East has changed.
North Korea blasts US strikes on Syria
The US missile strikes 'proves a million times over' that strengthening North Korea's nuclear program was 'the right choice,' reports state media KCNA
U.S. Strikes Syria Over Chemical Attack
Dozens of U.S. Missiles Hit Air Base in Syria
US, UK electronics ban on Middle East flights takes off
The British ban applied to any device, including smartphones, larger than 16cm long, 9.3cm wide or 1.5cm deep. However, most phones will be smaller than the limit.
Second blast rocks Damascus after courthouse bombing kills 30
Damascus, March 15 : A second bombing rocked the Syrian capital on Wednesday, just an hour after a suicide…
Egyptian court acquits Hosni Mubarak, former president, over killings of protesters in 2011
Former president acquitted of complicity in killings of hundreds of protesters during 2011 uprising that ended his rule.
Deadly car bombing rocks Iraq’s Baghdad
Attack in area full of used car dealers is the latest in renewed wave of mostly suicide blasts to strike Iraqi capital.
Israel rejects ‘shameful’ UN resolution amid criticism of Netanyahu
Israel has responded furiously to a UN security council resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, recalling…
Holi festival kicks off in Egypt
Egypt’s largest Indian colour festival Holi kicked off on Friday, introducing fun and joy for lovers of Indian…
In Saudi Arabia, Obama Pledges Vigilance Against Iran
President Barack Obama on Thursday pledged to remain vigilant against Iran’s destabilizing activities in the Middle East as…