Iranian Defense Ministry spokesman Davoud Abdi claims the explosion took place at an Iranian gas storage facility in an area that "houses a sensitive military site" near Tehran, but Arab media provides conflicting reports as to the cause of the blast.
In its annual report on terrorism, US State Department cites a surge in extremist groups affiliating themselves with ISIS in Africa and Southeast Asia and says Iran continues to foment terrorism.
Letter by 1,080 parliamentarians from 25 European countries calls for decisive action by European leaders to "prevent annexation and to safeguard the prospects of the two-state solution and a just resolution to the conflict."
The daily death toll has regularly topped 100 in the past week for the first time in two months, mirroring a sharp rise in new infections since restrictions on movement began to be lifted in mid-April.
Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s accusation, details of which had been sealed by a court, became known this week after attorney Alan Dershowitz issued a new filing refuting her claims. Barak: I don't "comment on imaginary rumors or false affidavits."
"As a result of [Wednesday's] sanctions, these captains' assets will be blocked. Their careers and prospects will suffer from this designation," says US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres urges Israel to abandon plans to apply sovereignty to parts of Judea and Samaria, warning this threatens prospects for peace with the Palestinians.
American Jewish Congress lauds move, says “Hezbollah’s activities are a direct threat to peace and security."
Former CIA head and defense secretary Robert Gates says that US "paralysis" is allowing other international players to make inroads.
"There is a big difference between Zionism and Judaism," says Rabbi Yehuda Gerami, who also hails former Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani as a "national hero."
