Syria has announced a four-day ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after rapid government advances across the northeast.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated his country’s support for a ceasefire deal between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which calls for the latter’s integration into the Syrian state apparatus.
Several locally-developed instant messaging applications were reportedly restored in Iran on Tuesday (20 January), partially easing communications restrictions imposed after recent unrest.
The United Nations says Israeli crews have begun bulldozing the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in east Jerusalem. The move comes amid increasing crackdowns on humanitarian groups.
Syrian government troops tightened their grip across a swathe of northern and eastern territory on Monday after it was abruptly abandoned by Kurdish forces in a dramatic shift that has consolidated President Ahmed al-Sharaa's rule.
Syria's Interior Ministry said on Tuesday that about 120 Islamic State detainees escaped from Shaddadi prison, after the Kurdish website Rudaw reported that a spokesperson for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, Farhad Shami, said around 1,500 Islamic State members had escaped.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Monday (19 January) that an agreement reached between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces must be implemented swiftly, including the full integration of fighters, as Ankara pushes for lasting stability in Syria.
Iran is signalling to the United States that it retains the capacity to destabilise key regional and global interests, particularly energy markets, according to political analyst Chingiz Mammadov, Research Alumni at the National Endowment for Democracy.
The Saudi-backed Yemeni government has accused the United Arab Emirates of operating a secret prison at an airbase near the southern port city of Mukalla, escalating tensions between the two Gulf powers. The allegations were made on Monday by Salem Al-Khanbashi, governor of Hadramout province.
Iran’s president warned on Sunday that any U.S. strike on the country would trigger a “harsh response” from Tehran, as nationwide unrest continues and tensions with Washington remain high.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a decree recognising Kurdish language rights, as government forces advanced against U.S.-backed Kurdish-led fighters despite U.S. calls for restraint.
A senior Iranian official says at least 5,000 people have died in the protests rocking the country. Among those killed are said to be some 500 members of the security forces.
Syrian troops swept through dozens of towns and villages in the country's north on Saturday after Kurdish fighters withdrew under an agreement that aimed to avoid a bloody showdown between the rival forces.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has called for support for protesters seeking to overthrow Iran’s government. Speaking at a press conference in Washington on 16 January, Pahlavi outlined plans to return to Iran and called for action against the country’s Revolutionary Guards.
The Turkish Defence Ministry has voiced its support for recent military operations by Syrian government forces against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which enjoy the support of the United States.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the 90-year-old king of Saudi Arabia, is undergoing medical tests at a hospital in Riyadh, state media says.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on 16 January, offering Russia’s help to mediate tensions and promote dialogue in the Middle East.
Israel said on Thursday that its forces struck Hezbollah positions across several areas in Lebanon after accusing the group of repeated ceasefire violations.
U.S. President Donald Trump has questioned whether Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late shah of Iran, would be able to command enough support inside Iran to lead the country if its clerical leadership were to fall.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in oil-rich Abu Dhabi.
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