US sees increasing possibility that Syria’s Assad falls The administration expects the Syrian rebels to capture the central city of Homs within days, if not sooner. Syria
Analysis Iran promises to do everything for Assad, but how far can it go? Caught off guard by the recent rebel offensive in Syria, Iran is campaigning to galvanize regional political support for President Bashar al-Assad in what appears to be a race against time amid the Syrian army's fast-crumbling lines of resistance. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran agrees to stricter nuclear monitoring as US raises concerns After a report claimed Iran has been significantly increasing its production of highly enriched uranium, the country reportedly agreed to comply with stricter monitoring by the UN's nuclear watchdog. Iran
Austin Tice's family says captive journalist still alive as Syria’s war rekindles The Tice family met with White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan as Syrian rebels advanced on the strategic city of Homs. Syria
Syria’s US-backed Kurdish forces seize Deir ez-Zor as Assad hangs by thread The developments came as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham pressed its lightning offensive against Syrian government forces and is closing in on the country’s third-largest city, Homs. Syria
Bahrain announces UK inclusion in key security pact with US Bahrain signed the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement with the Biden administration in September 2023; Manama plans to turn it into a multilateral agreement with more members amid regional threats. Bahrain
Iran conducts record space launch with largest-ever payload Iran's space program has previously concerned the United States and its allies, who claim that its developments go hand-in-hand with those of its ballistic missile program. Iran
Analysis German firm's $14.5M fine not a deterrent for violating Iran sanctions The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control levied the penalty against Aiotec GmbH, an industrial equipment–sourcing company. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
As Turkey weighs next steps in Syria, Erdogan says target is Damascus Rapid rebel advances in Syria have shifted negotiations between Turkey, Iran and Russia to whether the Syrian government will survive. Turkey
Syria rebels advance, Jordan closes border as Assad loses ground: What to know The Islamist-led rebels who launched a surprise assault on government-held Aleppo are now at the gates of Homs, after taking Hama, as clashes in Daraa threaten the government’s presence in the south. Syria
