Rouhani hits out at skeptics of Iran pandemic statistics The Iranian president said skeptics of the official coronavirus narrative in his country are serving as enemy mouthpieces. Iran
Israel bans visits to military cemeteries, imposes Ramadan curfew Israel’s Cabinet banned visits to military cemeteries on Memorial Day and imposed a curfew on Arab towns for the month of Ramadan. Israel
Larger than expected rate cut raises pressure on Turkish lira Turkey’s central bank surprised market watchers Wednesday with a significant interest rate cut to bolster the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, though analysts say the move poses inflationary risks. Turkey
Iraqi Kurdistan rejects NGO accusations of blocking aid to Syrian Kurds The government of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region is responding with anger to relief organizations' claims that it is blocking aid to the northeast Syria as COVID-19 rages, with officials saying it has "bent over backward" to help. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Iran's IRGC launches first military satellite as tensions with US flare Iran launched a military satellite into orbit on April 22, a significant defense breakthrough at a time of heightened tensions with the United States. Iran
Saudi King approves tarawih prayers without public attendance at holiest mosques Saudi Arabia's King Salman says only staff can perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Saudi Arabia
Iran’s Rouhani calls for coronavirus cooperation in calls with Gulf leaders The Iranian president stressed regional cooperation to fight the virus in separate calls with the leaders of Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. Iran
In Yemen: Death by bullets or coronavirus Although one case of the coronavirus was officially confirmed in Yemen, sources say there are four infected people in isolation. Yemen
Coronavirus brings more suffering to Gaza’s women With the suspension of the Sharia courts’ work due to the confinement in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinian women have been struggling to get their rights to custody and alimony, while many have been separated from their children. Palestine
Hamas quietly allows Gaza doctors to get COVID-19 training in Israel Gazan medical staff received training inside Israel on the novel coronavirus in unpublicized coordination between Hamas and Israel. Palestine
Intel: Turkey's tourism sector sets hopes on June kick start President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's announcement that the government aims to relax COVID-19 restrictions and start returning to normal life at the end of Ramadan has raised the hopes of the country’s ailing tourism sector. Turkey
Amid public pressure, Iraq suspends transfer of IS families to Zummar camp Iraqi minorities in the Ninevah Plain are complaining about the transfer of Islamic State families to a camp in their area. Iraq
Lebanese parliament reconvenes with anti-virus measures in place The Lebanese parliament voted to pass a bill allowing cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes as protests resumed in Beirut. Lebanon
Iran extends closure of religious sites amid pandemic While gradually reopening much of the economy amid lowering coronavirus-related mortalities, the Iranian government has extended a shutdown of religious sites nationwide. Iran
Qatar Airways defers some employees' pay to save costs and keep flying Qatar Airways is still offering many passenger flights, unlike other major Middle Eastern carriers. The drop in international travel due to the coronavirus has resulted in major losses for airlines. Qatar
Jewish pilgrimage to Tunisia canceled over coronavirus With the coronavirus pandemic reaching the island of Djerba in Tunisia, Jews of Tunisian heritage won’t be able to attend this year's traditional Ghriba synagogue festivities. Israel
