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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Al Monitor

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After year away, France returns ambassador to Algeria: What to know

France and Algeria have made efforts to improve ties recently, with the strain resulting from disagreements over Western Sahara and their shared...

yesterday 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iraq’s Sadr says 'exclude' armed groups from next government as pressure builds

The cleric's call comes as Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi tries to form a government amid political divisions and US demands to curb the...

08.05.2026 1

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

What to know about Iran's 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority' to control Hormuz traffic

The establishment of an entity seeking to control maritime transportation in the Strait of Hormuz is the latest sign that Iran wants to formalize...

07.05.2026 1

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Trump congratulates Iraq PM-designate Zaidi in call: What to know

President Donald Trump was openly critical of previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki, who was seen as close to Iran, but is now welcoming the new candidate...

30.04.2026 10

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

In defiant message, Iran’s Khamenei threatens US but appeals to Gulf

The address was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s third since coming to power and included a pledge to rid the Gulf of the US.

30.04.2026 4

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iran-linked group claims stabbing in Jewish area in London: What to know

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya has been linked to a number of attacks on Jewish targets in Europe, as well as an anti-regime Iranian news outlet.

29.04.2026 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iranian rial hits new record low as blockade, war take toll: What to know

The rial had another collapse in late 2025, triggering massive protests and riots in the country that were ended by a forceful government crackdown.

29.04.2026 4

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Meet Ali al-Zaidi, businessman and Iraq's new prime minister-designate

Legal sources familiar with the nominee told Al-Monitor that there are no US sanctions on Zaidi or financial institutions affiliated with him.

28.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

UAE to leave OPEC on May 1

The United Arab Emirates says it will focus more on domestic production amid the US-Israel-Iran war.

28.04.2026 2

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iraq's Shiite alliance nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM candidate: What to know

Zaidi, who leads a bank accused of money laundering, received support from previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani,...

27.04.2026 7

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Syria arrests Amjad Youssef, Tadamoun massacre perpetrator: What to know

Amjad Youssef appeared on video allegedly killing dozens of civilians in 2013 and is the latest member of the Assad regime to be captured by the new...

24.04.2026 10

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Kuwait acquits journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin after 7 weeks in detention

The American-Kuwaiti journalist is expected to be released after 52 days in custody over posts about wartime damage.

23.04.2026 4

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Split over Maliki, Iraq’s Shiite bloc delays PM vote as deadline nears: What to know

Two other candidates have emerged as alternatives to Coordination Framework nominee and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is openly opposed...

22.04.2026 6

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Two Iranians face US court in sanctions, arms trafficking cases: What to know

The cases come as the United States pairs tighter sanctions with stepped-up enforcement targeting Iran’s global networks amid the war.

20.04.2026 7

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iran arrests Ahwazi separatist leader amid war crackdown: What to know

The Islamic Republic has detained hundreds of people in Khuzestan province, home to Iran’s largest Arab community.

15.04.2026 3

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin detained in Kuwait: What to know

Kuwaiti authorities have been cracking down on alleged violators of the country's media law during the Iran war.

14.04.2026 6

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia summon Iraqi diplomats over militia attacks: What to know

The United States and Kuwait have likewise criticized Iraq over actions tied to Iran-backed armed groups in the country.

13.04.2026 5

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

As US blockades Hormuz, China urges restraint, rejects call to ditch Iran oil

Beijing and Ankara called for calm as the US began its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as regional diplomacy over the fragile ceasefire intensifies.

13.04.2026 6

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Lebanon boosts army presence in Beirut as Hezbollah slams Israel talks: What to know

The Lebanese government’s openness to talks with Israel has angered Hezbollah while its efforts to assert authority in Beirut has won praise from...

10.04.2026 9

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

UAE says no more 'niceties' with Iran, seeks clarity on fragile truce terms

The UAE said Iran must pay “compensation” for damages incurred during the conflict.

09.04.2026 5

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Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

US strikes Iran’s Kharg Island as Trump threatens 'whole civilization'

Iranian outlets reported several explosions on the island, which is crucial to the country’s oil industry, just hours ahead of a US deadline to open...

07.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

From France to India: Who is Iran allowing through the Strait of Hormuz?

Ships from Qatar turned around on Monday after sailing toward the Strait of Hormuz, while a growing number of countries have received permission to...

06.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iran's IRGC intel chief killed as Israel expands targeted strikes: What to know

Majid Khademi, who served for nearly 50 years, is one of several senior Iranian figures to be killed in recent weeks after much of the high command...

06.04.2026 8

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Syria sustains drone attack from Iraq, tackles smuggling tunnels on Lebanon border

The incidents on Syria's borders follow threats against the transitional government by Iran and its proxies in Iraq.

30.03.2026 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Kuwait arrests 6 over alleged Hezbollah plot to assassinate leaders

Kuwait said the individuals were plotting to carry out assassinations against officials, while Qatar and the UAE have also announced the dismantling...

25.03.2026 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iran rejects Trump's proposal for ceasefire as US dispatches forces

The news follows a negotiations push by the Trump administration to end the war after more than three weeks of fighting.

25.03.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iranian ballistic missile intercepted over Lebanon, US Embassy feared as target

Tensions in Lebanon remain high amid Hezbollah rocket fire toward Israel and intensified Israeli strikes across the country.

24.03.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iranian ballistic missile intercepted over Lebanon, US Embassy likely target

Tensions in Lebanon remain high amid Hezbollah rocket fire toward Israel and intensified Israeli strikes across the country.

24.03.2026 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Qatar-based Al Jazeera commentators go dark on social media: What to know

Saeed Ziad, who offered a pro-Iran perspective on the war, has not posted on X in days, and the account of Fatima al-Smadi was deleted, though their...

20.03.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

In first remarks, Mojtaba Khamenei vows 'revenge,' holds firm on Hormuz closure

Mojtaba Khamenei did not appear on camera and his remarks were read by presenters on state media.

12.03.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

US warns of kidnapping threat in Iraq as Iran-backed militia hits diplomatic facility

A number of US-related sites have been targeted by Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq, prompting Baghdad to bolster its air defenses.

11.03.2026 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Which 6 Kurdish groups could join the war in Iran?

Iranian Kurdish groups that recently formed an alliance could soon join the United States and Israel in their campaign against the Islamic Republic,...

04.03.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Syria begins prisoner exchange with Druze militia in south: What to know

The Suwayda area has seen significant instability since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, complicating government efforts to address...

26.02.2026 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Kuwait amends citizenship law amid revocation spree: What to know

Kuwait has stripped around 50,000 people of their citizenship over alleged forgery and security concerns, with observers alleging the government is...

26.02.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iran’s IRGC tests new weapons as second US aircraft carrier nears region

The drill was at least the third conducted by Iranian forces in the past two weeks.

24.02.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

US envoy Barrack oversees Chevron deal in Iraq amid Iran influence row

The Trump administration is maintaining pressure on Iraq over the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the influence of Iran-backed...

23.02.2026 60

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Canada becomes latest Western country to lift Syria sanctions: What to know

Like the US, Canada had strained relations with Syria during the civil war but is now showing signs of engagement.

20.02.2026 150

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

In letter, US lays out 7 demands for next Iraqi PM, with emphasis on Iran

The Trump administration is pressing Baghdad on Iranian influence and the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, with Iraq's top...

20.02.2026 40

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Russia doubles down on Iran nuclear cooperation as US talks inch forward

Moscow’s energy minister said Russia is currently building equipment for new units at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant.

18.02.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know

Qatar is moving to shore up ties with Venezuela as the US seeks greater control over the South American country’s oil revenues.

18.02.2026 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland in slight to Turkey

As Somaliland wins diplomatic recognition from Israel, the move could upset Turkey’s interests in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

26.12.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin