Middle East politics
13 stories related to this topic, newest first.
en.rfi.frIranian Diaspora Groups Condemn Reported Plan to Install Ahmadinejad
Iranian diaspora organizations have criticized a reported U.S.-Israeli plan to install former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a post-war leader. The groups said such a move would discourage supporters of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.
Abc NewsSyria's Interim President Removes Brother From Top Government Post
Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued a decree on Saturday removing his brother Maher al-Sharaa as secretary-general to the presidency. The move comes after the appointment drew accusations of nepotism. Al-Sharaa also named new governors for four provinces and a new in…
tass.comExpert Criticizes Lebanese Hezbollah Disarmament Legislation as Ineffective
Hezbollah expert Hanin Ghaddar stated that Lebanon's recent laws to disarm the group are ineffective. She highlighted entrenched ties within the military and government. Ongoing violations and releases of members underscore the challenges.
middleeasteye.netSyria Holds First Public Trial of Assad-Era Official in Damascus
Syria has initiated its first public trial of an official from the era of former President Bashar al-Assad. Atef Najib, a cousin of Assad and former head of political security in Daraa province, faces charges related to crimes against the Syrian people. The trial stems from event…
france24.comIranian Negotiators Urge Trump to Soften Rhetoric
Iranian diplomats have conveyed messages to the United States requesting that President Trump moderate his threats. They argue that such rhetoric strengthens Iranian hardliners opposed to negotiations. This development occurs amid ongoing efforts to revive talks.
rte.ieLocal Elections Held in West Bank and Deir al-Balah, Gaza, for First Time in Over 20 Years
Palestinians participated in municipal elections in the West Bank and Deir al Balah in central Gaza on April 25, 2026, marking the first such vote in part of Gaza in over two decades. Turnout reached 24.5% by early afternoon, with voters emphasizing needs for services and justice…
France 24Palestinian Local Elections Held in West Bank and Deir al-Balah, Gaza, for First Time in Years
Palestinians participated in municipal elections on April 25, 2026, in the occupied West Bank and the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah. This marked the first poll in Gaza since 2006, with Hamas and other groups not participating. Voter registration included nearly 1.5 million i…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewIran Establishes Committee of Generals After Khamenei's Death
Following the death of Ali Khamenei in February, Iran replaced him with a committee of generals, reportedly leading to greater coherence. Some statements describe Iran as fractured, while U.S. and Israeli intelligence reports indicate the opposite. The transition occurred without…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewUS Envoys Head to Pakistan for Iran Talks Amid Conflicting Reports
The White House announced that envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan for negotiations with Iran. Iranian officials denied any planned meetings and stated no decision has been made on further talks. The developments follow reports of Iranian demands convey…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewSyrian Authorities Accuse Hezbollah-Linked Cells of Plotting Attacks
Syrian authorities have accused cells linked to Hezbollah of planning attacks within the country, including assassinations, bombings, and rocket fire. This follows the fall of Bashar Assad and marks a departure from previous cooperation. The development involves networks allegedl…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewIran's New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Faces Severe Injuries and Security Restrictions
Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is reportedly more seriously injured than previously known following an attack that killed his wife and son. He is under strict security measures to prevent assassination, with limited access and communication via couriers. The country…
middleeasteye.netIran Has Not Buried Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei 50 Days After Reported Death
Iran has not yet buried Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has been reported dead for 50 days. The delay stems from concerns over potential Israeli airstrikes and protests during a state funeral. Khamenei served as supreme leader for 36 years.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewLebanese Shiite Cleric Calls for International Forces to Dismantle Hezbollah
A Lebanese Shiite cleric urged the government to involve international forces in dismantling Hezbollah. He stated that the group, described as a proxy, should surrender or face severe consequences. The call highlights internal divisions within Lebanon regarding the organization's…