Iran forces plane carrying soccer legend's family to land To many Iranians, the move revealed the lengths authorities were willing to go to in their crackdown on critics. Iran
Turkey urges France to ban PKK 'propaganda' after Paris shooting Summoning France’s ambassador, Turkey expresses concern regarding "anti-Turkish propaganda" in Paris demonstrations. Turkey
2022 in review: The year that broke US relations with OPEC+ After a tumultuous year for US-Saudi ties, there is little reason to expect US-OPEC+ tensions to ease in 2023. Gulf
Japan strengthens energy ties to Saudi Arabia, Oman Oman wants to increase its natural gas exports, and Saudi Arabia continues to show interest in clean energy and carbon capture technology. Gulf
Israel’s new ambassador to Turkey presents credentials to Erdogan After four years without an ambassador at the Israeli Embassy in Ankara, Irit Lillian has presented her credentials to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Israel
Netanyahu puts Iran, Saudi Arabia at top of agenda Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated several times that he aspires to normalize ties with Saudi Arabia, but with his pro-settler right-wing partners, the chances of that happening are slim to none. Israel
2022 in review: Iran's Khamenei faces unprecedented challenge with protests, economic woes Iran is limping into 2023 with a youth uprising that has taught existential fear to its once omnipotent theocracy. Iran
Flash floods force evacuations from Jordan's iconic Petra Over a thousand tourists have been evacuated from Jordan's historical city of Petra as floods engulfed the area. Jordan
