Saddam-era Iraqi howitzers get delivered to Ukraine

Weapons once belonging to Iraq’s former dictator Saddam Hussein’s regime are now being delivered to Ukraine via the Baltic Sea in the strangest of developments this year in the war in Ukraine.

Kuwait reacts angrily to being cut out of Iraq and Turkey’s transport project

Kuwait witnessed a wave of angry reactions on April 25 after Iraq, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey signed a quadrilateral memorandum of understanding in Baghdad to establish the "Development Road" project, linking Turkey with the Gulf.

Iraq recovers thousands of antiquities, calls for antiquities law reform

Iraq's Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities has received thousands of returned archaeological pieces following a push by the central government in Baghdad to retrieve stolen assets in the past year.

Iran presses Afghanistan's Taliban to uphold water-sharing agreement

An Iranian environmental official accused the Afghan Taliban of intentionally redirecting overflow waters of the shared Hirmand River to prevent its inflow into Iran’s Hamoun wetlands.

Saudi Arabia eyes 320,000 new hotel rooms to meet soaring tourism goals

Saudi Arabia is projected to have 320,000 new hotel rooms by 2030 as the Kingdom ramps up efforts to accommodate an annual influx of 150mn tourists, both domestic and international.

Iran eyes overseas power plant development

Iran plans to expand its power plant development projects overseas, including renewable energy generation.

Venezuelan navy bolsters arsenal with Iranian-made anti-ship missiles

The Venezuelan Navy has recently augmented its military capabilities with the addition of new CM-90 anti-ship missiles (ASM) manufactured in Iran, according to the country's Ministry of Defence.

Iran’s two major clubs officially sold to banks, petchem companies

Iran's Economy Minister Ehsan Khandouzi has confirmed the transfer of ownership of the country's top two football clubs, Persepolis and Esteghlal to the private sector to continue playing in the Asian football league.

Iran’s supreme leader admits Israeli strike didn't do damage

Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei said on April 21 that the retaliatory strike on Israel demonstrated and proved the “willpower of the Iranian nation and armed forces to the world.”

Mysterious predator dubbed “Goat Sucker” causes panic in Iraq

A mysterious creature resembling a lizard and locally dubbed as "Goat Sucker" has caused a stir in the village of Sarsoola, eastern Dohuk, Iraq, after allegedly preying on 21 sheep.

EXPLAINER: Who are Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces hit in alleged Israeli strike?

In the early hours of April 20, Iraq's security force, the Popular Mobilisation Forces military base at Kalso was reportedly struck by Israeli missiles.

Massive explosion leaves huge crater in Iraqi military base after suspected Israeli strike

An explosion at a military camp in northern Babil province, Iraq, resulted in the death of a member of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and injuries to eight others, the Iraqi Security Media Cell reported on April 20

PANNIER: Gulf investment commitments to Central Asia rival sums once pledged by China

Since Russia lost leverage in the region after invading Ukraine, many countries have sought to fill the gap. In terms of pledged capital, the Arab nations have become big players.

Israeli security minister Ben Gvir criticised for mocking alleged strike on Iran

Israeli Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir faced sharp criticism on April 19 from both government officials and opposition leaders after he posted a dismissive one-word tweet in response to reports of an Israeli attack on Iran.

Dubai airport restricts arrivals to manage storm-induced delays

EU’s Von der Leyen, China call for calm following Israeli attacks on Iran

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Israel and Iran to prevent further escalation in the Middle East following an Israeli strike on Iranian territory

Iran denies 'Israeli strike', admits shooting down drones

Iranian military and government officials confirmed that recent air defence activity in Isfahan province was a routine measure against suspicious aerial objects, with no resulting damages or incidents.

Iran's President Raisi warns Israel against any missteps

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi issued a stern warning to Israel late on April 18, cautioning that any mistake or aggression towards Iranian territory would be met with a severe response that would leave Israel and its allies regretting their actions.

Iran says may revise nuclear policies in case of Israeli threat against its sites

Iran said it could revise its anti-nuclear weapons doctrine if threatened by Israel against its nuclear sites, in an escalation of events as the Jewish State prepares to celebrate passover on April 22.

Remittances come to the rescue of Lebanon’s battered economy

Lebanon has always found a way to bounce back. But past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the last few years have pushed the small Mediterranean country to the brink.