Middle East

Bahrain king meets Lavrov to discuss Gulf security, waterways

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manama on Sunday for talks on bolstering regional security and protecting maritime trade routes, with both sides exchanging views on the ongoing tensions over the blockaded Strait of Hormuz and efforts to promote stability in the Gulf.

Saudi defense minister meets UAE president in Abu Dhabi

Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday to discuss regional developments and ways to enhance joint Gulf action, with both sides affirming the depth of fraternal relations amid ongoing tensions in Yemen and the Iran war that continues to threaten regional stability.

Iranian, Egyptian foreign ministers discuss regional tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty discussed the latest regional developments during a phone call on Sunday, addressing what Tehran described as "diplomatic efforts and initiatives aimed at reducing tension and maintaining stability in the region," according to a statement released on Araghchi's Telegram channel.

Trump endorses Netanyahu for Israel's October elections

US President Donald Trump announced his "Complete and Total Endorsement" of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the Oct. 27 elections, warning that Washington might be forced to confront regional threats alone if Israelis choose alternative leadership.

Gulf ministers back Saudi Arabia, urge Iran-US dialogue

Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council on Sunday expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks and urged mediation to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran, calling for a return to pre-February navigation conditions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Hostile projectile strikes Saudi city of Najran, injures 6

Saudi Civil Defense said a projectile struck Najran on Sunday, wounding six people and damaging homes and vehicles, as cross-border attacks from Yemen continue.

Pakistan, Egypt condemn Houthi attacks, reaffirm solidarity with Saudi Arabia

Foreign Ministers Ishaq Dar and Badr Abdelatty on Sunday condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and discussed R-4 cooperation including Türkiye.

Russia, Saudi ministers voice concern over Bab el-Mandeb tensions

Sergey Lavrov and Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Sunday expressed concern over rising tensions in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and southern Arabian Peninsula, stressing the importance of maritime safety and unimpeded passage through international waterways during talks in Bahrain.

Gaza buries 75 Palestinians recovered from bombardment rubble

Hundreds attended a mass funeral in Gaza City for 75 victims recovered from destroyed homes, as rescue teams warned thousands remain trapped under rubble amid scarce resources.

UK police drop probe into security adviser’s wife over banned group post

Metropolitan Police said Saturday no further action would be taken against Sarah Helm, wife of the UK security adviser, over a post referencing banned group Palestine Action.

EU condemns settler attacks on diplomats in occupied West Bank

The European Union condemned Israeli settler attacks in the occupied West Bank targeting European diplomats, demanding accountability and protection for Palestinians during the olive harvest.

US envoy demands prosecution over 'cowardly' attack on US journalist

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee demanded prosecution of Israeli attackers of American journalist Heidi Levine in the occupied West Bank, calling the assault a despicable act of terror.

Newsom says US military aid to Israel 'has to be conditioned'

California Governor Gavin Newsom said US military aid to Israel "has to be conditioned," citing settler violence and Netanyahu's policies amid growing Democratic opposition to arms transfers.

Iranian lawmakers approve Mehrdad Akhlaqi as defense minister

Mehrdad Akhlaqi secured 237 votes in Iran's parliament to become the new defense minister, replacing Aziz Nasirzadeh who was killed in the February 28 US-Israeli attacks and warning that any new American-Zionist aggression would face a "surprising and extensive" response.

Iran president says defense nominee on US 'assassination list'

Masoud Pezeshkian tells parliament he hopes Mehrdad Akhlaqi will 'survive' to lead the armed forces, claiming Washington has placed the nominee on an assassination list.

Belgium condemns Israeli settler attack on diplomats in West Bank

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot condemned an attack by masked Israeli settlers in Taybeh that targeted diplomats and Palestinians, urging EU sanctions and an end to occupation.

Cosmic Breath installation counters Islamophobia in central London

Lebanese-American artist Joe Namy brings global adhan recordings to a space near Oxford Street, creating a sonic sanctuary amid rising anti-Muslim sentiment in London.

Saudi-led coalition downs 4 drones over Riyadh, eastern and southern regions

The Saudi-led coalition said its forces intercepted four drones over Riyadh and eastern regions, as Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure escalate amid rising regional tensions.

Israeli attack targets European diplomats in occupied West Bank

A diplomatic delegation from France, Belgium and Poland came under attack in the occupied West Bank town of Taybeh, injuring several residents and damaging vehicles during the olive harvest season.

Houthis release 159 detainees in Sanaa: ICRC

The ICRC said Saturday that Yemen's Houthis released 159 detainees in Sanaa, stressing that the unilateral operation does not fall under the 2018 Stockholm Agreement.