Iran threatens ‘devastating’ response as US ramps up sanctions

Syrian Kurds announce integration with Damascus; US Treasury issues Hezbollah Iran-linked sanctions; and more.

Ezgi Akin
Ezgi Akin
Aug 21, 2026
FILE PHOTO: A woman walks by a mural depicting Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on a street in Tehran, Iran, August 13, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo

Welcome back to the Daily Briefing.

This is Ezgi Akin, filling in for Gabrielle. 

In today’s edition:

  • Iran military threatens ‘devastating’ response as US ramps up sanctions
  • Syrian Kurds announce integration with Damascus
  • US Treasury issues Hezbollah Iran-linked sanctions
  • Hundreds of Tunisians protest government, water shortages

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