Middle East diplomacy

‘Gesture’ before talks: US, Lebanon ask Israel for pause in strikes

[ad_1] Destruction in Lebanon (File photo) The Lebanese government and the administration of Donald Trump have asked Israel to pause its attacks on Hezbollah ahead of direct Israel–Lebanon talks scheduled for next week, according to sources familiar with the matter.Axios sources said the request is not for a formal ceasefire but for a “gesture” that […]

China to invade Taiwan? Beijing says ‘US should stop hyping threat theory’

[ad_1] Beijing tells US to ‘stop hyping’ theory China threatens Taiwan (AP photo) China on Thursday urged the United States to “stop hyping” the narrative of a China threat, after a US intelligence report said Beijing was unlikely to invade Taiwan next year.Responding to the report, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Washington should “speak […]

Iran says ‘it won’t be scared’ by US military presence amid nuclear programme negotiations

[ad_1] Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi Iran has taken a defiant stand against US’ looming threat saying that it will not be intimidated by the military presence in the Gulf. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday, “Their military deployment in the region does not scare us,” following a visit by US envoy Steve Witkoff […]

Iran, US to hold 4th round of talks as enrichment concerns grow

[ad_1] Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi (Image: AP) Iran‘s foreign minister on Sunday said the country’s right to nuclear enrichment was “non-negotiable”, ahead of the fourth round of talks in Oman with the US over Tehran’s atomic programme. The negotiations follow earlier rounds that began nearly a month ago, marking the highest-level contact between the […]

Syria leader in Qatar for first time since Assad fall | World News

[ad_1] Syria’s new president arrived in Qatar on Tuesday, state media said, for his first official visit to the Gulf state, a key backer of the new administration after longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. His new administration has received support from several countries including key backers Turkey and Qatar, as well as multiple Arab states. […]