US-led coalition pulls out of third Iraqi base this month
The U.S.-led coalition withdrew on Sunday from a military base in northern Iraq that nearly launched Washington into an open war with neighboring Iran.
Iran
‘Iran may well collapse’ under coronavirus strain, warns top EU diplomat
Iran’s theocratic regime could crumble under the pressure of the coronavirus outbreak that has spread through elite ranks and the broader population alike, according to the European Union’s top diplomat.
U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Iranian Revolutionary Guards-Linked Firms, Individuals
The United States says it has imposed sanctions against 20 companies based in Iran and Iraq, along with officials and other individuals there who are accused of supporting terrorist groups.
Coronavirus Ravages Middle East as Iran Warns of ‘Millions’ of Deaths
From Jerusalem’s Western Wall to Saudi Arabia’s Mecca, the coronavirus is changing the Middle East and people in the region are adjusting to a new normal.
African locust swarm headed for Middle East
An ‘unprecedented’ locust swarm is forming in the Horn of Africa, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and is expected to cause major food shortages across Africa and the Middle East later this summer.
Coronavirus kills leading Iranian ayatollah, as worries intensify
A member of the Assembly of Experts, which has the power to appoint or dismiss the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died from the COVID-19 illness caused by the virus, the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported Monday.
IDF indicates Iran scaling back terror activity in light of coronavirus
The Israel Defense Forces indicated Monday its primary foe in the region, Iran, was curbing its activities as it grapples with a major outbreak of the coronavirus.
Iran Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 600, Syria Shuts Schools
Iran said Saturday the coronavirus outbreak has killed another 97 people, pushing the death toll in the country to 611, as war-ravaged Syria announced a number of strict measures despite the government saying it has no confirmed cases.
Iran’s ‘Worst Nightmare’ Coming True: Middle Eastern Shiites Rise Up Against It
The regime in Tehran is in lots of trouble these days. As U.S. sanctions tighten, at least a quarter of Iran’s oil rigs are now out of action, ‘dealing a potentially long-term blow to its oil industry.’ The coronavirus ‘has now spread to every province in the country and people are fearful that the true scale of the outbreak is even worse than is being disclosed.’
U.S. Conducts Retaliatory Air Strikes Against Iran-Backed Militia In Iraq
The United States is conducting retaliatory airstrikes against an Iran-backed militia group operating in Iraq following a deadly attack a day earlier against a base hosting Western forces near Baghdad, the Pentagon says.
‘Zionist’ Christian in Iran receives extension on prison sentence
‘Evangelical Zionist Christianity’ is the charge laid against a Christian convert in Iran whose prison sentence the government recently extended.
Iranians to be released from prison in droves as government fumbles to contain coronavirus
Iranian Christians are asking for prayer support as the Islamic Republic, in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, has begun releasing huge crowds of prisoners that include persecuted Christians.
Three Coalition Troops at Iraqi Base Killed in Rocket Attack Bearing Hallmarks of Iran-Backed Militias
A rocket attack Wednesday night on an Iraqi military base housing coalition personnel cost the lives of three coalition personnel, the U.S. military confirmed. Details were not provided pending notification of next of kin, but military sources said two Americans and a British soldier were killed.
Iran oil industry failing as a result of Trump sanctions
Sanctions against Iran begun by US President Trump in 2018 have severely affected its oil industry, reducing the number of barrels per day (BPD) the Islamic Republic exports by half.
Iran hit hardest as oil price war, cornavirus cripples nation
The one-two punch of coronavirus and an escalating oil price war that is roiling world markets is hurting one country more than any other: Iran.
Iran’s leadership falls prey to coronavirus
Iran’s leadership has been hit especially hard by the coronavirus, as the Islamic Republic predicts that 40% of residents in its capital of Tehran will be infected by the spreading virus within two weeks.
IAEA Demands Iran ‘Immediately’ Provide Access To Suspected Nuclear Sites
The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has demanded that Iran stop blocking its investigation into three possible nuclear sites.
Iranian Christians, denied justice, face five years in prison
The sentences of nine Iranian Christian converts were upheld after a judge who has become notorious for persecuting prisoners of conscience barred them from using their own lawyers.
Pompeo Says Iran Must Be Held Accountable on Nuclear Commitments
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday called on all nations to hold Iran accountable for its nuclear commitments and said Tehran’s failure to report nuclear material was a clear violation of safeguard agreements.
Iranian Christian man denied asylum in UK after judge claims he won’t face persecution in Iran
An Iranian Christian convert from Islam has been denied asylum in the UK after a judge concluded he would not face a ‘real act of persecution’ by staying in his home country.