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Middle East
Reporting and analysis on the Middle East.
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From Amaliqa to Houthis, here are main armed groups fighting in Yemen
The Saudi-backed government is supported by several armed groups with varied histories, while the Iran-backed Houthis are largely unified under one command.
Algeria moves to restore death penalty for arson: What to know
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune wants a return to executions after another summer of devastating wild fires, but rights groups say the amendment passed by parliament is problematic.
Rights, faith groups urge Congress to block $2.8B bomb sale to Israel
If the Trump administration moves forward with the transfer, dozens of groups are urging lawmakers to seek a joint resolution of disapproval.
Lebanon seeks Turkey’s help to join Syria-Saudi rail link: What to know
Beirut is seeking Ankara’s support to link its ports to a railway project aiming to link Turkey to the Gulf, through Syria and Jordan.
Lebanon PM meets Rubio as Israel talks stall: What to know
The visit comes as US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel have made little headway, with Israeli elections looming.
Despite fanfare, Xi shows Trump no sign of breaking with Iran
Beijing has significant leverage over Tehran, but little incentive to use it for Washington’s benefit, given its reliance on Iranian oil.
How Syrian Air is braving regional turbulence to rise from the ashes
In an interview with Al-Monitor, CEO Anwar Akkad lays out his ambitious plans to expand the carrier’s fleet, destinations and role in reconnecting Syria to the world.
Iran threatens to expand war to Indian Ocean: What to know
An adviser to Iran’s supreme leader has threatened to open a new front in the Indian Ocean if the US resumes its strikes against Iran.
Trump tells Middle East leaders US-Iran talks have ‘momentum’
Trump hosted top officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council states, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq on the sidelines of UN General Assembly.
Turkey, US sign $2M grant deal for small nuclear reactors: What to know
The new cooperation deal comes as Ankara seeks to expand nuclear power and reduce reliance on Russia.
Iran seizes assets of 394 people accused of spying for ‘hostile enemy’
The crackdown comes amid heightened tensions in the region as the US and Iran trade threats.
Rubio meets Iraq’s PM as remaining US troops prepare exit
The meeting in New York comes less than two weeks before remaining US troops are set to leave Iraq.
Saudi Arabia pauses star-studded Red Sea film festival as Houthis hit kingdom
The postponement arrives as attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants are increasingly disrupting the kingdom’s economy and could also impact other high-profile international events.
Iran threatens to expand war with new weapons if US attacks resume
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to expand its attacks in the region and use new weapons.
UAE’s Gargash expects ‘prolonged’ war, calls for Iran-Gulf security talks
“We need a new mindset that these sort of discussions ... can happen at an Iranian-American level, it should also take place at an Iranian-Arab level,” Gargash told Al-Monitor.
Lebanon charges 5 in alleged Hezbollah operation to train Assad loyalists
A Lebanese military court has charged the five, including an Assad-era Syrian officer and Hezbollah members, with running a cross-border security network planning attacks in Syria’s coastal region.
Trump administration approves $24B sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia
Trump first announced the planned sale in November 2025, ahead of hosting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.
US sanctions Iranian crypto exchange BitBank over Hormuz payments
The US government says the exchange was used to channel payments from an Iranian maritime-insurance scheme to the regime.
Serbia opens factory to assemble Israeli-made drones: What to know
Serbian President Vucic said the factory will put together “state-of-the-art” Israeli-designed drones and employ around 100 workers.
Turkey’s Erdogan to run for ‘final’ third term in 2028, adviser says
If Turkey’s parliament votes to move the next election up during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s second term, he could constitutionally run for third.
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