Washington, United States | AFP | Saudi Arabia’s crown prince received an effusive welcome at the White House Tuesday from US President Donald Trump, who hailed a “great friendship” with the kingdom — but made no public mention of the sticking points in the burgeoning alliance. In front of the cameras, …
Read More »Iran’s Rouhani congratulates Putin on ‘decisive victory’
Tehran, Iran | AFP | Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday congratulated Russia’s Vladimir Putin on his “decisive victory” in a presidential election and vowed to boost ties between Tehran and Moscow. “I am sure that during your new term, relations between our two countries will develop further,” he said …
Read More »Saudi warns it will pursue nuclear weapons if Iran does
Washington, United States | AFP | Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, Riyadh will follow suit — just days before he arrives in Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump. “Saudi Arabia does not want to acquire any nuclear bomb, but …
Read More »Under scrutiny at home, Netanyahu cheered at US pro-Israel lobby
Washington, United States | AFP | Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put aside his domestic legal woes on Tuesday to find a warm welcome in Washington at a meeting of the pro-Israeli lobby. On the home front the veteran Israeli right-winger faces an intensifying corruption probe that could see the 68-year-old forced …
Read More »Deadliest plane crashes in Iran since 2003
Tehran, Iran | AFP | An Iranian passenger plane on a domestic flight crashed on Sunday into the country’s Zagros mountains, with all 66 people on board feared dead. Here is a recap of the deadliest plane crashes in Iran since 2003. – 2014 – On August 10, an Antonov …
Read More »Plane crashes in Iran killing all 66 aboard
Tehran, Iran | AFP | An Iranian passenger plane on a domestic flight crashed into the country’s Zagros mountains on Sunday killing all 66 people on board, officials said. The Aseman Airlines flight left Tehran’s Mehrabad airport around 0800 (0430 GMT) for the city of Yasuj in Isfahan province, said …
Read More »Israeli strikes were ‘heavy blow’ to Iranian, Syrian forces: Netanyahu
Jerusalem, Undefined | AFP | Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israeli air strikes in Syria the previous day were a “heavy blow” to Iranian and Syrian forces in the war-torn country. “We inflicted on Saturday a heavy blow to Iranian and Syrian forces,” Netanyahu said at the start …
Read More »Iran’s Rouhani calls for ‘year of unity’ after protests
Tehran, Iran | AFP | Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani called for a “year of unity” as Iran celebrated 39 years since the Islamic revolution Sunday in the wake of protests last month. Rouhani said conservatives should not block reformist candidates from future elections and that there should be greater trust …
Read More »Israel will not allow Iran ‘entrenchment’ in Syria: PM
Jerusalem, Undefined | AFP | Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Saturday not to allow Iran to establish a military presence in Syria, after Israel launched air raids on what it said were Iranian targets in its Arab neighbour. “Israel wants peace but we will continue to defend ourselves with determination …
Read More »High pollution shuts schools in Tehran
Tehran, Iran | AFP | Primary schools will be closed on Monday in Tehran as thick fog caused by pollution smothers the Iranian capital and most of the surrounding province, local authorities said. They also announced Sunday they would impose traffic restrictions in Tehran, home to 8.5 million inhabitants, allowing cars …
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