Middle East

The Iran-backed terrorist group, which controls Lebanon, has come under unprecedented public criticism and its role in Lebanese politics under intense scrutiny.

A joint statemenet from the IAEA and Iran's nuclear agency chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, says dates for IAEA inspectors to visit the sites had been agreed, without naming them, as well as the parameters of "verification activities" there.

"If we can help facilitate normalization with Bahrain we're ready," official says.

"If Hamas wanted to aggravate the situation it would respond to the IDF's strikes [over arson terrorism] by firing thousands of rockets at Israel," says senior Gaza official.

Summit to take place in one of the Persian Gulf sheikdoms in the next few weeks, Arab diplomat says. US trying to secure the participation of Bahrain, Oman, Morocco, Sudan, and Chad, alongside Israel and the UAE. PM Netanyahu confident "more countries will follow UAE."

Gaza's Health Ministry reports first cases of COVID-19 in the general population, Hamas declared a full lockdown for 48 hours.

The Kremlin is reportedly trying to draw interest from foreign countries in a bid to advance the aircraft's sales.

The health ministers of the two countries discuss cooperation on pharmaceuticals, medical research, and COVID-19 in a telephone call.

Responding to speculation that emerging peace deal with the UAE could lead to sale of F-35 aircraft to Gulf state, Pompeo notes administration has "legal obligation" to maintain status quo.

Turkish president's new security force has ambiguous authorities, sparking concerns that it might be modeled after Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps. Separately, Erdogan hosts Hamas officials, including deputy Hamas leader who has a $5 million bounty on his head.