Egypt sentences activist Sanaa Seif to 18 months in prison Seif, who had been in pretrial detention since June, was convicted Wednesday of spreading false news and misusing social media. Egypt
Ukraine rejects Iran's final report on downed passenger plane The Iranian government said last year's shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was the result of a human error. Iran
Iran operating new advanced centrifuges, nuclear watchdog finds According to an International Atomic Energy Agency report, Iran is now using IR-4 centrifuges to enrich uranium in violation of the nuclear accord. Iran
UN says Libya arms embargo 'totally ineffective' A United Nations panel of experts accused several member states, including Turkey and Russia, of fueling the Libyan conflict. Libya
Biden Administration increases B-52 bombers in region as deterrent to Iran The United States Air Force has sent a sixth sortie of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over the Middle East. United States
Israeli military draws up new plans against Iran, top commander says IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi said attack plans should be "on the table" given Iran's recent violations of the nuclear accord. Israel
Emirati activist held under 'abhorrent' conditions, rights group says Since his arrest in 2017, Ahmed Mansoor has been held in solitary confinement without access to basic necessities, Human Rights Watch said. United Arab Emirates
Thefts on rise in Idlib amid rising poverty Hardly a day goes by in Idlib areas without a civilian being robbed of a car, motorcycle or other property, triggering yet more fears and concerns for residents. Syria
Iranian-American sentenced to prison, allegedly without a trial Iran has imprisoned a number of dual citizens of the United States and European countries on disputed charges. United States
US envoy previews Biden's Israeli-Palestinian policy at the United Nations Washington plans to reestablish diplomatic missions with the Palestinian Authority and defend Israel from "bias" at the UN. Israel
Israel reopens liaison office in Morocco The mission's reopening comes a month after Israel and Morocco agreed to establish diplomatic and economic ties. United Arab Emirates
Israeli minister makes first ever visit to Sudan Israeli Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen met with a top Sudanese leader, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and invited him to visit Israel. Israel
Iraqi Kurdish officials call Iran's Soleimani film 'insult' to Peshmerga Peshmerga that fought on the front lines against the Islamic State see the film as an "insult and belittling the role of Peshmergas." Iraq
Netanyahu bristles in warning as Biden seeks reentry to Iran deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hinting to the new US administration that reentering the original nuclear deal with Iran could spell Israeli military action. Israel
As Syrian regime touts reopening, Iran continues to lurk at Aleppo airport International air traffic has resumed at Aleppo International Airport, but it is believed to remain under the control of Iranian forces. Syria
Intel: CENTCOM chief tours Mideast in first trip under Biden administration Gen. Kenneth McKenzie is scheduled to stop in Israel later this week as the Joe Biden administration seeks strategic dialogue to build on the Abraham Accords. Israel
