Sweden summons Iranian ambassador over dual national sentence The Iranian-Swedish national was arrested during Iran’s June war with Israel for allegedly spying on Israel’s behalf. Iran
Analysis Militant merger in Iran’s Baluchistan signals new threat to Tehran The group’s outreach to broader ethnic communities reflects a strategic bid for wider legitimacy and a role in the wider struggle against the Islamic Republic. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Culture World Cup: Iran fumes over LGBTQ+ themes as Jordan qualifies for first time Morocco is hoping to build on its historic run in 2022, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others in the region similarly vying to build on recent successes. Iran
Feature A year since Assad’s fall, Aleppo trial tests Syria’s transitional justice Syria recently launched its first open trial on the deadly sectarian violence in March, but questions about judicial independence and political influence make the upcoming hearings a major test of accountability in post-Assad Syria as the first anniversary of Assad’s fall approaches. By Alessandra Bajec
Egyptian man executed one year after brutal killing of Nayera Ashraf The killing sent shockwaves across the country, prompting calls to carry out the death sentence. Egypt
'LGBTQ toilet' sparks fury in Turkey amid Pride week crackdown Pride parades have been formally banned in major cities since 2014, and police violence to disperse and prevent Pride marches is sanctioned by the Interior Ministry. Turkey
Blinken heads to Saudi Arabia with Israel ties on agenda Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s much-anticipated visit to the kingdom comes after years of strain over the price of oil and human rights. Saudi Arabia
IAEA chief rebuffs Israeli criticism, says Iran meets 'fraction' of commitments IAEA chief Rafael Grossi noted that Iran made positive steps in enabling the inspection of its nuclear sites but is still a long way from fulfilling the March 4 agreement commitments. Iran
Israelis rally in Jerusalem’s LGBT parade amid rise in hate rhetoric More than ever before, this year’s Jerusalem gay pride parade offered a stage for opponents of the current far-right/ultra-Orthodox coalition and the judicial overhaul advanced by the government. Israel
Iran executions spike by 76% with 142 people hanged in May: Report A new report reveals that Iran carried out 307 executions in 2023 as rights groups' pleas fall on deaf ears. Iran
Turkey’s jailed Kurdish leader quits active politics after Erdogan’s victory Selahattin Demirtas' announcement comes amid heated public debate over whether Kemal Kilicdaroglu would resign after he was defeated by President Erdogan in Sunday’s runoff. Turkey
US lawmakers urge aid for Tunisia's civil society as crackdown intensifies The Biden administration’s proposal to slash economic assistance while largely sustaining military aid to Tunisia has drawn concern in Congress. Tunisia
World Cup migrant workers still detained in Qatar: report The Guardian has confirmed that three migrant workers from Pakistan and India arrested in January after their World Cup-related contracts were terminated remain in detention to this day. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Iran, Belgium complete prisoner swap mediated by Oman Belgian national Olivier Vandecasteele was released from prison in Iran in an Oman-mediated exchange deal. Iran
Syria's Assad accuses France of 'hysteria' for calling to put him on trial Damascus is furious after French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said she thinks Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should stand trial for his role in the Syrian war. Syria
Hamas upholds executions against three Palestinian ‘collaborators’ in Gaza Rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Hamas for issuing and carrying out death sentences without the approval of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Palestine
