Middle East

"Global arrogance has supported weak governments in the Muslim world in order to realize its interests and the interests of the Zionist entity," Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi claims.

The former lawmaker, who tried to help Iran establish a foothold on the Golan Heights, was reportedly close to the Syrian regime.

"You never know, I am more optimistic today than yesterday," said the EU's top diplomat, but cautioned that no meetings with Iran have been scheduled.

Christian "Lebanese Forces" party leader Samir Geagea denies his group was behind last Thursday's street violence in which seven people were killed at a pro-Hezbollah rally calling for the removal of the judge investigating last year's Beirut port blast.

Lebanese take a stance against Iran-funded group as Saudi Arabia issues message expressing hope that situation in Lebanon will stabilize.

"We warn the Zionist regime against any miscalculation or military adventure targeting Iran and its nuclear program," Iran's Ambassador to the UN Majid Takht Ravanchi says.

By adding to its power directly north of the border, the terror group gains more flexibility on its attack options against Israel, the Alma Research and Education Center says.

Washington is working alongside the World Bank and humanitarian relief agencies to help the country amid its dire economic crisis.