Category: Middle East
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The US Central Command said it struck more than 30 Islamic State targets in Syria in early February 2026, following an ambush that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The strikes targeted weapons storage sites and logistical infrastructure, using precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Officials said the operation aims…
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Donald Trump has confirmed plans to deploy a second US aircraft carrier to the Middle East, warning it could support military action against Iran if nuclear negotiations fail. “In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it,” Trump told reporters at the White House before flying to North Carolina to address troops at Fort…
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Syria expects economic growth to approach 10% in 2026 following the easing of United States sanctions, according to Finance Minister Mohamed Yisr Barnieh. Officials cite improved stability, returning skilled diaspora workers, and new foreign investment as key drivers. The recovery follows the 2024 removal of former president Bashar Al-Assad, with President Ahmed al-Sharaa strengthening Western…
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Türkiye could be drawn into a regional nuclear arms race Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned, saying countries “with problematic issues with Iran will begin to strive to acquire nuclear weapons.” His remarks signal broader regional security concerns, including long-standing tensions involving Israel’s undeclared nuclear capabilities. Speaking to CNN Türk, Fidan said Ankara does not…
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Syria and Saudi Arabia have unveiled a major investment package aimed at rebuilding Syria’s infrastructure and economy. The agreements, signed in Damascus on Saturday, cover energy, telecommunications, aviation, and real estate. Key developments: • Telecommunications: Nearly $1 billion will fund projects in two stages over 18–24 months, says Abdulsalam Haykal, Syria’s Minister of Communications and…
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Senior US and Iranian officials are set to resume negotiations after initial talks in Oman, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. The discussions were described as a “good beginning” and “exclusively nuclear.” Delegates will return to their capitals for consultations. Key developments: • US officials seek to address Iran’s ballistic missile programme and support for…
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The United States and Iran are preparing for their first formal negotiations since Washington struck Tehran’s nuclear programme in 2025, as Middle East security tensions continue to rise. US President Donald Trump warned that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be “very worried” ahead of talks scheduled in Muscat, Oman. The negotiations will involve Iranian…
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Cairo on Wednesday (4 February), meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and overseeing agreements aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment. Türkiye and Egypt plan to raise trade to $15 billion, while expanding cooperation in maritime security, agriculture, healthcare, and industry. The visit marked a major step in restoring…
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The Rafah border crossing, Gaza’s main link to the outside world, reopened on Monday (2 February) after nearly two years, marking a key milestone of a US-brokered ceasefire aimed at ending the war. According to Al Qahera, Egypt’s state news agency, and an Israeli security official, Palestinians began limited entry and exit via the Gaza–Egypt…
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Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that “the Americans must be aware that if they wage a war this time, it will be a regional war.”, stressing that Iran is “not the instigator” and does not plan to attack any country, but would deliver “a heavy blow” if it is attacked or harassed, as…
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