Rubio lands in India for 'trade diplomacy'
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in India on Tuesday, his second official visit to the country this year, as he pursues an Asian tour blending diplomacy and trade.
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On Israeli election eve, settler violence becomes Netanyahu liability
Attacks on a US journalist and European diplomats in the occupied West Bank have turned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's championing of settlers into a potential liability days before elections, with opponents calling him soft on "Jewish terrorism".
Israel's Ben-Gvir poised for election gains as young voters turn to far right
By Emily Rose and Hannah Confino TEL AVIV, Oct 20 (Reuters) - He celebrated his 50th birthday with a cake decorated with a noose. He says he plans to surround jailed Palestinians with crocodiles. In videos, he berates foreign activists captured at sea trying to bring aid to Gaza, forced to kneel at his feet with their…
Hegseth discusses Iran with Netanyahu in unannounced visit to Israel, officials say
JERUSALEM, Oct 20 (Reuters) - US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed Iran with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday, three Israeli officials said, as tensions flare between the US and Iran.
Hegseth meets Netanyahu in unannounced visit to Israel, source says
JERUSALEM, Oct 20 (Reuters) - US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday, a person familiar with the matter said, as tensions flare between the US and Iran.
Hegseth meets Netanyahu in unannounced visit to Israel, Axios reports
WASHINGTON, Oct 19 (Reuters) - US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday, Axios reported, citing two sources with knowledge.
Hegseth meets Netanyahu in unannounced visit to Israel, reports Axios
WASHINGTON, Oct 19 (Reuters) - US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday, Axios reported, citing two sources with knowledge.
US judge orders Saudi engineer held in OpenAI case
A former OpenAI employee accused of planting a recording device at the company's San Francisco offices was ordered held without bail Monday after a federal judge deemed him a flight risk.
Pakistan army chief Asim Munir to visit Tehran on Tuesday
Oct 19 (Reuters) - Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is due to visit Tehran on Tuesday, according to a Pakistani official and Iranian media.
Netanyahu basks in Trump endorsement week before election
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu basked in Donald Trump's endorsement on Monday ahead of close-fought elections, airing a phone call in which the US president predicted he would win and suggested they may again attack Iran together.
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil asks US Supreme Court to hear case seeking to avoid re-arrest
By Nate Raymond and Jonathan Allen Oct 19 (Reuters) - Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil on Monday asked the US Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that opened the door for President Donald Trump's administration to re-arrest and deport the Palestinian activist.
Saudi Arabia postpones its 'Davos in the Desert' conference after attacks
By Timour Azhari, Federico Maccioni, Tala Ramadan and Alexander Cornwell Oct 19 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia has decided to postponeits flagship investment conference until next year, organizers confirmed in a statement on Monday, following deadly attacks which rocked the kingdom in recent weeks as the Middle East…
Saudi airport closure disrupts life in kingdom's capital
The prolonged closure of Riyadh's airport after a series of fatal attacks has exposed the risks confronting Saudi Arabia's drive to shift its international image, disrupting businesses, airlines and residents more than a week after flights were grounded.
Israel to resume commercial shipments to Gaza after Hamas fee dispute
CAIRO, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Israel said on Monday it would resume allowing commercial goods shipments into Gaza after a days-long halt over a tax dispute involving Hamas and merchants, restoring a key route for food and other essentials to the aid-dependent enclave.
Indonesia first foreign country to own property in Saudi Arabia's Mecca
Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara has received ownership certificates for the 2-billion-riyal ($531.4 million) acquisition of a hotel and 14 adjoining development plots.
Iran's Araqchi blames US for Strait of Hormuz tensions, calls for diplomacy
Oct 19 (Reuters) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said regional issues should be resolved through diplomacy and blamed the United States for insecurity and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, speaking at a joint news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday.
Lavrov visits Tehran as Trump praises Russia's role on Iran: What to know
During a meeting with his Iranian counterpart earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed Moscow’s offer to mediate between Tehran and Washington.
Israel announces arrests after West Bank settler attacks on Westerners
Israeli police said Monday they had arrested 10 people in the occupied West Bank after settler attacks on an American photographer and a French mayor that drew international condemnation but mixed messages from the government.
Houthi attack kills 58 at Yemen government training camp, governor says
Oct 19 (Reuters) - Fifty-eight people were killed and more than 200 were injuredafter an attack on Monday by the Iran-aligned Houthis on a government security forces training camp in Yemen's Shabwa province, Governor Awad al-Wazir said, as fighting in the impoverished country intensifies.
What's behind Egypt's move towards possible military involvement in Saudi-Yemen conflict?
CAIRO, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Egypt's parliament is expected to vote next week on whether toauthorise the armed forces to help defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by Yemen'sHouthis if Riyadh requests its support.
Houthi attack kills 53 at Yemen government training camp, officials say
Oct 19 (Reuters) - Fifty-three people were killed and 200 were injured in an attack on Monday by the Iran-aligned Houthis on a government security forces training camp in Yemen's Shabwa province, according to the local authority, as fighting in the impoverished country intensifies.
Explainer-What's behind Egypt's move towards possible military involvement in Saudi-Yemen conflict?
CAIRO, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Egypt's parliament is expected to vote this week on whether toauthorise the armed forces to help defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by Yemen'sHouthis if Riyadh requests its support.
Lebanon uncovers new tunnel amid tensions with Hezbollah: What to know
A tunnel was discovered near Beirut as tensions between Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah have been running high over the seizure of weapons shipments destined for the Iran-backed group.
UN climate panel head wants swift end to deadlock over key scientific report
The world's top climate scientists will reconvene at the earliest opportunity, the panel's chair said on Monday, after member states failed to agree when to release its crucial new findings on global heating.
Saudi Arabia postpones 'Davos in the Desert' until 2027 amid Houthi attacks
The Future Investment Initiative, which typically attracts the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in business, finance, and technology to Riyadh, will now be held next year.
Turkey's defense industry set to hit $20B in new contracts in 2026
The expanding defense industry sector has also become a foreign-policy tool for Ankara, deepening military partnerships with countries including Saudi Arabia.
Macron opens Gulf tour after violent protests in France
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday began a Gulf tour aimed at securing oil and diesel supplies in an effort to bring down prices, after a weekend of violent protests sparked by soaring living costs.
Bomb threat forces Austrian Tel Aviv-Vienna flight to land in Bulgaria
VIENNA, Oct 19 (Reuters) - A bomb threat forced an Austrian Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to Vienna to divert to Sofia late on Sunday, though a search found nothing dangerous so the plane took off again and flew onwards, the airline and Bulgaria's BTA news agency said.
Twelve migrants, including infant, drown as boats capsize off Greek islands
Oct 19 (Reuters) - Twelve migrants drowned in two separate incidents off the Greek islands of Lesbos and Samos in the northeastern Aegean Sea on Monday, after their boats capsized as the coast guard chased them, authorities said.
Two Serbian opposition figures targeted with spyware, research group says
By Raphael Satter WASHINGTON, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Two Serbian opposition figures were recently targeted with powerfulcyberespionage tools, according to one of the men and a report issued on Monday by the Canadian cyber watchdog group Citizen Lab.
Wary of instability, China calls for deeper security cooperation with Tajikistan
BEIJING, Oct 19 (Reuters) - China's Premier Li Qiang called on Monday for deeper security and intelligence cooperation with Tajikistan to fight what Beijing views as extremism and separatism, and said he hoped the country would take "strong measures" to protect Chinese citizens.
UN agency slashes Gaza food aid over funding, warns needs persist
The World Food Programme said Monday it would end monthly assistance to 500,000 people in Gaza due to a funding shortfall, despite acute needs in the war-battered Palestinian territory.
World Food Programme cuts aid to 500,000 Palestinians in Gaza, cites funding shortages
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Mahmoud Issa CAIRO/GAZA, Oct 19 (Reuters) - The UN World Food Programme has said funding shortages are forcing major cuts to its aid programme in Gaza, leaving about 500,000 people without monthly food support in a territory where two-thirds of the population struggle to get enough to eat.
World Food Programme cuts aid to 500,000 Palestinians in Gaza, citing funding shortages
CAIRO/GAZA, Oct 19 (Reuters) - The UN World Food Programme has said funding shortages are forcing major cuts to its aid programme in Gaza, leaving about 500,000 people without monthly food support in a territory where two-thirds of the population struggle to get enough to eat.
Arab voter turnout could make or break Netanyahu in Israeli election
By Pesha Magid NAZARETH, Israel, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Israel's Palestinian leaders are urging people in the minority Arab community to vote in big numbers in next week's election as they seek to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and topple the most right-wing government in the country's history.
Israeli police arrest suspects over settler attacks on US journalist, European diplomats
TEL AVIV, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Israeli police said on Monday they had arrested 10 suspects as part of an investigation into violent incidents in theoccupied-West Bank over the weekend, including separate attacks on a Washington Post photojournalist and European diplomats.
Israel police arrest suspects over settler attacks on US journalist, European diplomats
TEL AVIV, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Israeli police said on Monday they had arrested eight suspects as part of an investigation into violent incidents in the West Bank over the weekend, including attacks on an American photojournalist and European diplomats in separate incidents.
Rubio says Ukraine and Russia should be focused on ending the war
By Gram Slattery SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Ukraine and Russia should be focused on ending the war between them, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on his visit to Uzbekistan on Monday.
Gaza teen amputees recount hopes, lost dreams in Jordan centre
At 15 years old, Mahmoud Abou Nusair recalls the love he had for football, before Israeli fire in Gaza took his leg and his dreams away.
Trump backs ally Netanyahu ahead of Israel's tight election
US President Donald Trump endorsed on Sunday his ally Benjamin Netanyahu before Israel's close-fought parliamentary election on October 27, providing a boost to the veteran prime minister's bid to win a new mandate.
Captain of flydubai plane describes blocking axe blows as co-pilot attacked
Oct 18 - The captain of a flydubai flight who was attacked by a co-pilot who intended to crash the plane has described blockingaxe blows to the head and screaming for help as he reached for a knob to open the cockpit door.
Trump endorses Netanyahu in close Israeli election
By Doina Chiacu and Alexander Cornwell WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV, Oct 18 (Reuters) - US President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed his ally Benjamin Netanyahu as the longtime Israeli prime minister struggles for an edge in next week's parliamentary election.
US officials visit Palestinian village after settler attacks on diplomats
By Ali Sawafta and Steven Scheer TAYBEH, West Bank/JERUSALEM, Oct 18 (Reuters) - US diplomats visited a Christian Palestinian village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Sunday following attacks by militant Israeli settlers on European diplomats and an American photojournalist in the previous two days.
Trump endorses Netanyahu in Israeli election
By Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (Reuters) - US President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed his ally Benjamin Netanyahu as the longtime Israeli prime minister struggles for an edge in next week's parliamentary election.
Egypt says ready to back Saudi Arabia in war against Iran-allied Houthis
CAIRO, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Regional military power Egypt is ready to provide Saudi Arabia with the support it needs to defend its security and stability, thepresidency said on Sunday,potentially raising the stakes in the Middle East war as Yemen's Iran-allied Houthis intensify their attacks on the kingdom.
Egypt says ready to give Saudi Arabia necessary support amid Houthi conflict
Oct 18 (Reuters) - Egypt is ready to provide Saudi Arabia with the support it needs to defend its security and stability, the presidency said on Sunday, as Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis intensify their attacks on the world's largest oil exporter.
EU condemns attacks by violent settlers, including on diplomats, spokesperson says
BRUSSELS, Oct 18 (Reuters) - The European Union "strongly condemns" attacks by violent settlers in the West Bank, includingagainst European diplomats, the bloc's foreign policy spokesperson said on Sunday.
Iran urges US to accept proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
DUBAI, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Iran's offer to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days is still on the table, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Iranian media outlets on Sunday.
Saudi coalition, Houthis trade strikes as disruption spreads
The Saudi-led coalition and Iran-backed Houthis traded strikes Sunday as fighting raged in the intensifying conflict that has disturbed life for residents of the kingdom's capital Riyadh and war-wracked Yemen.
Saudi skyscraper closes offices as Houthi disruption spreads
Riyadh's landmark Kingdom Centre skyscraper ordered remote working for office tenants on Sunday as disruption spread from Houthi attacks and the Saudi-led coalition announced its first military deaths since the war reignited.
Saudi landmark closes offices, chopper pilots killed near Yemen
Riyadh's Kingdom Centre skyscraper ordered remote working for office tenants on Sunday following repeated Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, as the Saudi-led coalition said two pilots were killed in a crash near the Yemen border.
Iran's parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaqi as minister of defence
DUBAI, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as defence minister on Sunday, ending months of interim leadership at the ministry and placing a former defence sector veteran in charge of the country's defence production and procurement apparatus.
Rubio arrives in Central Asia while other US officials hit foreign policy hot spots
By Gram Slattery and Simon Lewis WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (Reuters) - While the Iran war smolders, Saudi Arabia fights theHouthis and a new rift opens in US-Ukraine relations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled on Sunday to Uzbekistan, a nation far removed from the biggest US foreign policy challenges.
Rubio heads to Central Asia while other US officials hit foreign policy hot spots
By Gram Slattery and Simon Lewis WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (Reuters) - While the Iran war smolders, Saudi Arabia fights theHouthis and a new rift opens in US-Ukraine relations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio travels on Sunday to Uzbekistan, a nation far removed from the biggest US foreign policy challenges.
'It's family': Lebanese villagers dread looming UN peacekeeper pullout
From his shop in south Lebanon near the Israeli border, Mark Diab says life in his village will be turned upside down when a decades-long United Nations peacekeeping force pulls out next year.
In shadow of war, Israelis to decide if hard-right turn is permanent
Three years after suffering their deadliest single attack, Israelis will deliver their verdict on veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an October 27 election that could decide if the country moves definitively into hard-right nationalism.
US wants Israel to 'crack down' on settler violence in West Bank, Rubio says
WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The United States wants Israel to do more to deter attacks committed by settlers in the West Bank, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday.
Lebanon says military delegation will press for halt to Israeli attacks at US talks
Oct 17 (Reuters) - A Lebanese military delegation will present Beirut's demands for an end to Israeli attacks in Lebanon at a trilateral meeting in Tampa, Florida, on October 20, the Lebanese presidencysaid in a post on X on Saturday.
Israeli settlers attack European diplomats, beat French mayor
Israeli settlers attacked a convoy of European diplomats in the West Bank and beat up a visiting French mayor on Saturday, witnesses said, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned against a brewing "crisis" in the territory a day after an American photojournalist was injured in a brutal attack.
Window for diplomacy with Iran may be closing as Trump again threatens Pickaxe Mountain
Israel still wary of Damascus, writes Ben Caspit from Israel; our correspondent in Tehran and Amberin Zaman explain how Iran and Turkey look to exploit Azerbaijan’s headscarf controversy; Qatar’s top diplomat offers energy assistance to Lebanon, Beatrice Farhat reports from Beirut.
Israeli settlers attack Palestinians, European diplomats in West Bank, Belgium says
By Ali Sawafta and Mohammed Torokman TAYBEH, West Bank, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian civilians, European diplomats and a French mayor in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, Belgium's foreign minister said, a day after settlers beat an American photojournalist.
West Bank settlers attack Palestinians, Western diplomats, Belgium says
BRUSSELS, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Masked settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank attacked Palestinians, Catholic representatives and Western diplomats and officials, Belgium's foreign minister said on Saturday.
Egypt's Sisi seeks parliament's backing to help defend Saudi Arabia if asked
CAIRO, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Saturday Egypt would take any measures necessary to defend Saudi Arabia if asked, amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom, and parliament announced an emergency session on Sunday.
Zelenskiy hopes for meeting with US and Russia during G20 summit
KYIV, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Ukraine, the United States and Russia could meet during a G20 summit in the US but Washington and Moscow have not confirmed the meeting and other venues are also possible, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday.
IMFC chair says global economy resilient; delegates walk out on Russian official
By Andrea Shalal, David Lawder and Jan Strupczewski BANGKOK, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The global economy is showing great resilience but there is no room for complacency, the head of the International Monetary Fund's steering committee said on Saturday, while divisions over Russia's war against Ukraine sparked a walkout of…
Egypt's Sisi says his presidency will end in 2030, outlines plan to prepare future leaders
By Enas Alashray CAIRO, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Saturday that his term would end in 2030 and outlined a plan for the country's main military academy to train potential future leaders for 30 months before then.
Egypt's Sisi says his presidency will end in 2030
CAIRO, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Saturday that his presidential term would end in 2030 and that the question of his departure from office was settled, reaffirming that Egypt's constitution would not be amended.
IMF members call for more support amid war shocks, 'advanced intelligence' risks
By David Lawder BANGKOK, Oct 17 (Reuters) - International Monetary Fund member countries called for increasing support to countries that are facing short-term financing challenges caused by negative spillovers from wars and high energy prices, and said economic risks remain tilted to the downside.
Attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure 'worrying' for outlook: Pakistan finance minister
Pakistan's finance minister on Saturday told AFP the country had so far withstood the shock from skyrocketing energy prices due to the Iran war, but that attacks on infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries were "worrying" for the country's longer-term economic outlook.
Zelenskiy criticizes Trump's waiver of sanctions on Russia as 'wrong'
By Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - US President Donald Trump's decision to waive sanctions on Russia and tariffs on its goods days before they were to take effect will embolden Moscow to keep attacking Ukraine, Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday, predicting even more…
Trump waives key Russia-related sanctions, tariffs before they take effect under new law
By Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump waived key Russia-related US sanctions and tariffs days before they were to take effect under a law he signed last month, including duties on the country's goods and penalties for buying its oil and gas.
Trump waives many Russia-related sanctions, tariffs before they were to take effect under new law
By Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward WASHINGTON, Oct 16 - US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is waiving many sanctions, restrictions and duties days before they were to take effect under a bill that he signed into law last month.
Trump mocks popularity of the name Mohammad, common among Muslims
By Steve Holland and Kanishka Singh DALTON, Georgia, Oct 16 (Reuters) - US President Donald Trump made a joke about the popularity of the name Mohammad in the Muslim world as he mocked Iran's presidency during a campaign speech on Friday.
Top global climate science body suspends meeting without deal on major review timeline
By Sudarshan Varadhan Oct 16 (Reuters) - A meeting of the members of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was suspended without an agreement on a timeline to publish its next review of the latest science on the warming planet, the IPCC said on Friday.
How hijab dispute is opening new front in Iran-Azerbaijan tensions
Iran's longstanding unease over Azerbaijan's strategic ties with Israel is spilling into a dispute over religious freedoms and Baku's position in the Islamic world, testing already fragile relations between the two neighbors.
Exclusive-Trump move to restart direct US flights with Lebanon hits roadblock
By Allison Lampert and David Shepardson Oct 16 (Reuters) - The United Nations aviation agency has found Lebanon's main airport lacks valid certification, according to a report summary seen by Reuters, in a setback to US President Donald Trump's move to revive direct US-Beirut flights.
Russian diesel heads to Morocco as supply crunch grips global markets
Gulf countries and Russia together accounted for almost 45% of global seaborne diesel and gasoil trade before the Iran war.
In Yemen's besieged Taiz, families take shelter as Houthis close in
TAIZ, Yemen, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Ali Hassan and his family took shelter under a stairwell at a school in Taiz as Iran-allied Houthi forces closed in around them, tightening a siege of Yemen's third-largest city.
Italy names senior Israelis, Katz in probe over Gaza flotilla activists
ROME, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and senior military, police and prison officials have been placed under investigation in Italy over the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists, Italian prosecutors said on Friday.
Qatar PM in Beirut as Lebanon seeks economic relief: What to know
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani’s visit to Beirut coincides with the Lebanese authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the country.
Trump rules out US troops in Iran, leaves Pickaxe Mountain strike on the table
He did not dispute reports that the US military is weighing use of the "mother of all bombs."
Norwegian teen jailed for 20 years for UK murder plot after being recruited online
LONDON, Oct 16 (Reuters) - A Norwegian teenager who flew to Britain to commit murder after being recruited online by a Swedish organised crime group linked to Iran was jailed on Friday for 20 years.
Norwegian teen sentenced to 20 years for UK murder plot tied to Iran-linked group
LONDON, Oct 16 (Reuters) - A Norwegian teenager who planned to commit murder in Britain after being recruited by a Swedish organised crime group linked to the Iranian government was on Friday sentenced to 20 years' detention.
Washington Post journalist hospitalized after Israeli settler attack in West Bank
The assault was one of several attacks on Friday as Palestinians gathered to harvest olives across the West Bank.
Trump says US may need to strike Iran's Pickaxe Mountain
(Refiles to fix formatting, no changes to text) WASHINGTON, Oct 16 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said the US may have to target Pickaxe Mountain, a site linked to Iran's nuclear program, as he aims toensure Tehran does not get a nuclear weapon. In an interview with Newsmax on Thursday night, Trump also said he…
UN says Gaza malnutrition gains fragile as commercial supplies halt
By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Gains in tackling malnutrition in Gaza remain fragile and could be undermined by disruptions to supplies entering the Palestinian enclave, the UN children's agency UNICEF said on Friday, urging that all crossings remain open.
Explainer-Why is the battle for Yemen's Taiz so important?
By Angus McDowall Oct 16 (Reuters) - The city of Taiz is rapidly emerging as the most important battlefront in Yemen's reignited civil war, pitting the Iran-allied Houthis against the internationally recognised government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition.
Exclusive-Iran ships some LPG, jet fuel despite US blockade, data shows
By Feras Dalatey and Jonathan Saul DAMASCUS/LONDON, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Iran has managed to export some liquefied petroleum gas and jet fuel since July, despite a USnaval blockade, shipping intelligence showed and people involved in security said.
Israeli settlers burn olive trees, injure journalist in West Bank attack
By Pesha Magid and Ali Sawafta ABU FALAH, West Bank, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Clad in black and their faces masked, dozens of militant Israeli settlers burned olive trees and threw rocks at Palestinians in a coordinated attack on Friday on a West Bank village's annual harvest that injured at least two people including a…
South Korea reviews expanding military mission in Middle East, report says
SEOUL, Oct 16 (Reuters) - South Korea is reviewing an expansion of its military operations in the Middle East, the Kyunghyang Shinmun newspaper reported on Thursday, as the US ally faces pressure from President Donald Trump to provide support for the war in Iran.
Saudi organisers say 2027 Asian Cup 'on schedule' after attacks
The Asian Cup in January is "on schedule", Saudi Arabian organisers said, after growing fears for the tournament following Houthi attacks on the country.
China says Israel should stop its 'forced establishment' of West Bank settlements
BEIJING, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has told Israeli President Isaac Herzog that Israel should stop and reverse its "forced establishment" of West Bank settlements.
Rubio urges Lebanon to not return confiscated explosives to Hezbollah, US official says
By Simon Lewis and Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, Oct 15 (Reuters) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun about the confiscation of hundreds of kilograms of explosives from Hezbollah, a US State Department official said on Thursday.
Iraq parliament approves remaining cabinet posts, PM deputies
Oct 15 (Reuters) - Iraq's parliament on Thursday approved the remainder of Prime Minister Alial-Zaidi's cabinet, completing the formation of a government that took office five months ago with several key positions, lawmakers said.
Houthis launch deadly attack on presidential palace in Yemen's Aden
The Houthis launched a deadly missile attack Thursday on the presidential palace in the Yemeni government's interim capital of Aden, as Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for the recent dramatic escalation in the long-running war.
US issues fresh Iran-related sanctions, Treasury website shows
WASHINGTON, Oct 15 (Reuters) - The Trump administration has issued fresh Iran-related sanctions targeting 16 individuals and 10 entities, according to a notice posted on the US Department of Treasury website on Thursday.
Syria arrests Mihrac Ural, ex-Assad militia head also wanted by Turkey
The Turkey-born militia chief and a longtime ally of the Assad-regime, was sought by Ankara over the deadly Reyhanli bombings and by Damascus over his alleged role in massacres on the Mediterranean coast.
Houthis strike Yemeni government’s presidential palace in Aden: What to know
Aden serves as the de facto capital of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which was forced to relocate from Sanaa after the Houthis seized the capital in 2014.
Israel says commercial goods no longer entering Gaza after merchants suspend coordination
JERUSALEM, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Israel said commercial goods were no longer entering Gaza over what it said was a dispute over taxes between local merchants and Hamas, shutting off a vital source of food and other goods in the territory where the population is dependent on aid.
Analysis-How are Yemen’s Houthis attacking Saudi Arabia so effectively?
By John Davison LONDON, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Houthi militants who control northwestern Yemen have in the past week attacked Riyadh international airport and hit the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, in air assaults that have laid bare Saudi Arabia's vulnerability to threats from its enemy…