Middle East

Syria Announces Dismantling of New Hezbollah-Linked Cell
Syria Announces Dismantling of New Hezbollah-Linked Cell

The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the dismantling of a cell linked to Hezbollah that was allegedly preparing the assassination of government officials, while the pro-Iran Lebanese movement denounced what it called repeated “baseless accusations.” In a statement, the ministry said Syrian security forces had foiled “a ...

U.S. Announces $10 Million Reward for Iraqi Militia Leader
U.S. Announces $10 Million Reward for Iraqi Militia Leader

The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program announced on Tuesday a reward of up to $10 million for information on Akram ‘Abbas al-Kabi, identified as the founder and leader of the Iraqi militia group Harakat al-Nujaba (HAN). In its official statement the program said, “Akram ‘Abbas al-Kabi is the founder and leader of ...

Hegseth warns of ‘overwhelming’ response as Hormuz tensions rise despite ceasefire
Hegseth warns of ‘overwhelming’ response as Hormuz tensions rise despite ceasefire

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday a ceasefire with Iran remains in place despite rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Washington has deployed forces to protect commercial shipping. Speaking at the Pentagon alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, Hegseth said the United States is “not seeking a wider conflict” in ...

UN Chief Urges Iran to Provide Medical Care to Nobel Laureate Amid Abuse Reports
UN Chief Urges Iran to Provide Medical Care to Nobel Laureate Amid Abuse Reports

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday called on Iran to ensure urgent medical care for imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, amid mounting reports of severe health deterioration and alleged abuse in custody. Guterres expressed concern over Mohammadi’s condition, urging Iranian authorities to guarantee she receives ...

South Korea to Review Joining U.S. Hormuz Operation
South Korea to Review Joining U.S. Hormuz Operation

South Korea said Tuesday it will "review its position" on joining U.S. operations in the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump urged Seoul to take part following an apparent Iranian attack on one of its ships. An explosion and fire were reported on a South Korean cargo vessel on Monday in the key waterway, which has been effectively ...

U.S.-Iran Ceasefire on Brink as UAE Reports Attacks
U.S.-Iran Ceasefire on Brink as UAE Reports Attacks

A ceasefire between Iran and the United States was teetering Monday as the two countries traded fire over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the United Arab Emirates reported attacks for the first time since the truce was declared nearly a month ago. A day after President Donald Trump announced an operation to escort trapped vessels through the ...

U.S. Downs Iran Missiles and Drones, Destroys Six of Tehran's Boats
U.S. Downs Iran Missiles and Drones, Destroys Six of Tehran's Boats

The United States shot down multiple Iranian missiles and drones fired at U.S. Navy and commercial vessels and destroyed six of Tehran's small boats, a top U.S. admiral said on Monday. The hostilities occurred as American forces sought to facilitate the transit of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in an effort dubbed "Project ...

Trump Threatens Iran with “Total Destruction” if It Targets U.S. Forces in Hormuz Operation
Trump Threatens Iran with “Total Destruction” if It Targets U.S. Forces in Hormuz Operation

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday issued a stark warning to Iran, vowing it would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it attacks American vessels involved in the ongoing “Project Freedom” operation in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump escalated his rhetoric as tensions deepen around the strategic ...

Iran Strikes UAE in First Breach of Ceasefire
Iran Strikes UAE in First Breach of Ceasefire

The United Arab Emirates confirmed on Monday that its air defense systems intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran, marking the first direct attack on the country since the ceasefire took effect on April 8, according to official Emirati statements. The UAE Ministry of Defense announced that four cruise missiles were detected heading ...

Prime Minister Salam: No Retreat on State Authority as Lebanon Moves to Enforce Weapons Monopoly in Beirut
Prime Minister Salam: No Retreat on State Authority as Lebanon Moves to Enforce Weapons Monopoly in Beirut

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared on Monday in a joint press conference with the Lebanese Interior Minister that the government will move forward with enforcing full state control over Beirut, stressing that there will be “no retreat” from the decision to restrict weapons to state institutions. Speaking after a meeting of ...