Iran planning 4th round of talks with Saudi Arabia
Meeting aims to repair relations between Middle East's biggest Shiite and Sunni players after ties cut in 2016 amid rising regional and sectarian rivalry.
Middle East
Iran opens cases against prison guards following leaked videos of abuse
Judiciary's three-day investigation into mistreatment and grim conditions at Tehran's Evin prison had landed “some” prison guards in detention.
Fuel dispute sparks clashes between Muslims, Christians in southern Lebanon
Six people wounded when dispute over scarce fuel supplies ignites sectarian tensions. Lebanon's most senior Sunni Muslim cleric says country heading toward complete collapse unless action taken to remedy crisis.
Zionists the main reason for regional instability, says new Iranian FM
Visiting Syria, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian decries US sanctions, hints at Tehran's plan to establish a "new regional order."
Hundreds of Gazans burn tires, lob explosives as border riots continue
Hamas presses ahead with a campaign to pressure Israel to ease restrictions on the Gaza Strip as Palestinians continue to protest for the second consecutive night.
Iran accuses US of making 'illegal threats' over nuclear program
Head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council asserts that the American president threat "establishes the Islamic Republic of Iran's right to reciprocal response to 'available Options.'"
Iraq brings together Mideast rivals in bid to ease tensions
Iranian and Gulf Arab officials meet in Baghdad on Saturday on the sidelines of a regional summit that Iraq hopes will portray the country as a neutral mediator in the region’s crises and re-engage with the world after decades of conflict.
Fearing Israeli attack, Iran ups air defenses around nuclear sites
Commander of Iran's air defenses Alireza Sabahifard says Tehran is expanding its missile system and "the enemy should not even think of attacking Iran."
UAE evacuates 28,000 Afghans fleeing Taliban
United Arab Emirates and Qatar are instrumental staging posts for evacuation flights for Western countries' citizens as well as Afghan interpreters, journalists and others.
Explosion hits power plant in northeastern Iran
Blaze rages over facility in Neyshabur as widespread blackouts are recorded in the area. Reports of casualties remain conflicted; opposition media outlets say sabotage may have been at play.