Archives for May, 2026

Car bomb in Syrian capital leaves 1 dead, 23 injured: What to know

Tuesday's bombing is the latest in a string of recent security incidents in Damascus.

Syria

Pakistan’s air chief in Ankara as Islamabad touts regional alliance talks

The visit came after Pakistan’s defense chief suggested that talks were advancing on a wider defense arrangement involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar.

Turkey

US, Iran trade threats but Trump says Tehran wants peace deal

Agence France-Presse

Iran stages mass weddings for couples ready for war 'sacrifice'

Agence France-Presse

Iran civilians learn assault rifle basics to fend off US

Agence France-Presse

Libyan ex-prison boss known as 'Angel of Death', ICC hears

Agence France-Presse

Analysis

Israel pushes for full Iran blockade as it awaits Trump's next move

Israel’s preferred strategy, sources told Al-Monitor, calls for a comprehensive naval, economic, land and air blockade of Iran, alongside tighter sanctions and covert activity aimed at destabilizing the regime.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Oil dips, stocks mixed after Trump holds off on Iran attack

Agence France-Presse

What we know about secret Israeli bases in Iraq

Iraqi authorities have said there are no longer any hostile forces operating in its territory.

Iraq

Trump says held off on new Iran attack, upbeat for agreement

Agence France-Presse

Trump says delaying Iran attack at request of Gulf leaders

Agence France-Presse

War in Middle East: latest developments

Agence France-Presse

First attack on Arab nuclear site sends warning to Gulf, US

Agence France-Presse

Exclusive

Majority of attacks on Saudi Arabia carried out by pro-Iran militias in Iraq

Since Feb. 28, most attacks on the kingdom have originated in Iraq and been attributed to Iran-backed Shiite militias, according to regional officials and Iraqi sources.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Analysis

Turkey looks to NATO summit for breakthrough on US F-35s acquisition

Amid preparations for the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey is eyeing sideline talks for a possible breakthrough on removing US sanctions tied to its purchase of Russian S-400 systems.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

US extends Russian oil sanctions waiver as Iran war squeezes supply

The waiver temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian oil for 30 days.

Iran