Russia says US strikes on Iraq and Syria are unacceptable
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday that US airstrikes on Iraq and Syria were unacceptable and counterproductive, and urged all sides to avoid fueling tensions in the region.
Iran
Ex-IDF intel chief: Now that US engaged Iran, Israel must be careful
Following Sunday’s US airstrikes on Iranian-affiliated militias in Iraq, Israel must now be more careful about its own airstrikes in Iraq, former IDF intelligence chief Amos Yadlin tweeted on Monday.
Iran proxy vows retaliation after US strikes in Iraq kill over a dozen militants
Iran-backed militias in Iraq vowed to respond to US strikes Sunday that killed between 12 and 24 fighters sponsored by Iran, as the US promised to continue battling Iranian influence in the region.
US strikes kill 12 Iran-backed soldiers in Syria and Iraq
12 Iran-backed fighters were killed in Iraq and Syria Sunday, as the US retaliated for a Friday strike by Iran proxies that left 4 American servicemen wounded and killed a military contractor.
Magnitude 5 earthquake may have damaged Iran’s active nuclear site
Shockwaves from a magnitude 5 earthquake that occurred 30 miles away from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear reactor may have struck the site Friday, though no reports of damage had yet surfaced.
Russia refuses to continue Iran arms embargo
Russia said it will not extend an arms embargo on Iran that the 2015 nuclear accord with world powers promised to lift within 5 years, raising eyebrows in the US.
Iran state TV: Iran, Russia, China joint naval drill portends “new triangle of power in the sea”
Iran, Russia, and China began four days of naval drills in the Gulf of Oman Friday, following Iran’s activation of advanced centrifuges that enrich uranium at greater speeds.
Brazil signals strong support for Israel, promising to move embassy to Jerusalem, blacklist Hezbollah
Brazil has pledged multiple political and economic commitments to Israel in recent days, with leaders promising the country will move its embassy to Jerusalem, designate Hezbollah a terrorist organization, and work with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch direct flights between the two nations.
IDF Chief indicates upcoming “limited confrontation” between Israel and Iran
Israel may carry out a ‘limited’ war with Iran according to the Chief of the Israel Defense Forces, who spoke openly for the first time about Iranian entrenchment in Iraq as a problem for the Jewish state.
Iraq’s President refuses to back Iran-favored candidate for Prime Minister
The Iraqi President has threatened to resign instead of nominating an Iran-backed candidate for Prime Minister against the will of protestors.
Iran starts internet shutdown before possible new protests
Iran’s authorities have restricted mobile internet access in several provinces, an Iranian news agency reported on Wednesday, a day before new protests were expected to kick-off following calls for the demonstrations on social media.
IDF preparing for confrontation with Iran – Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi
The IDF is preparing for a limited confrontation with the Islamic Republic as Israel continues to act against Iranian entrenchment, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi warned on Wednesday.
Iran to hold joint, four-day navy drill with Russia, China
Iran’s armed forces will hold a joint, four-day naval exercise with Russia and China in the northern part of the Indian Ocean, a spokesman said Wednesday.
Top Iranian official: Israel ‘will regret’ attacks in Syria
A top Iranian official said that Israel ‘will regret’ its attacks in Syria, which have reportedly targeted Iranian resources and weapons shipments.
Netanyahu and others envision “Israeli-Arab alliance”
Certain of Israel’s Sunni Arab neighbors are experiencing a warming toward Israel as some are beginning to talk about a “new alliance” and a “new narrative” in the Middle East.
Huge leap in number of protestors killed in Iran last month
The US has confirmed the highest estimate yet for the number of protestors killed in Iranian demonstrations that began November 15, agreeing with Reuters’ estimate that 1,500 people were killed.
Second circuit of Iran’s Arak reactor to be completed Monday
The second circuit of Iran’s Arak heavy-water reactor is slated to go online on Monday, bringing it another stage closer to being fully operational, the country’s semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Israel airstrikes target Iran-linked military base in Syria, state media reports
Israel conducted an airstrike into Syria on Sunday night as air defenses in the country opened fire on missiles that had entered, state media reported.
Germany declares Hezbollah a terrorist group
The German Bundestag passed a resolution Thursday designating Hezbollah a terror group, earning praise from Israeli politicians.
Hezbollah-backed professor likely candidate for Lebanese premiership
A university professor and former minister received the backing of the Hezbollah terror group and its allies Thursday, making him the likely candidate to be appointed Lebanon’s new prime minister.