News

Christmas tree set on fire in Syrian city by masked gunmen

bnm Gulf bureau December 23, 2024

Masked militants have burned a Christmas tree in Al-Suqaylabiyah, one of Syria's largest Christian communities.

Israel claims responsibility for Hamas leader Haniyeh's July death in Iran

bne Tehran bureau December 23, 2024

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has publicly claimed responsibility for the July killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran.

Iran's former foreign minister proposes new MWADA regional security framework

bne Tehran bureau December 23, 2024

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and current presidential advisor has proposed a new regional security framework for West Asia.

Qatar joins regional powers in Damascus diplomatic outreach

bne Gulf bureau December 23, 2024

Qatar has dispatched a high-level diplomatic mission to Damascus as it moves to engage with Syria's new administration.

Iran and European powers to resume nuclear talks in January

bne Tehran bureau December 23, 2024

Iran will begin a fresh round of nuclear negotiations with European powers in late January 2025, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei announced.

Slovakia’s Fico in surprise visit to Putin in Moscow

bne Berlin bureau December 23, 2024

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made a surprise trip to Moscow on December 22 to hold rare face to face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as he seeks to secure gas deliveries ahead of the end of the Ukrainian gas transit deal next week.

Almost two-thirds of Malaysians favourable towards China

bno - Taipei Office December 23, 2024

A recent survey by the Merdeka Centre in Malaysia has revealed that almost two-thirds of Malaysians view the People’s Republic of China (PRC) positively

Russian Muslims allowed to have four wives, religious council rules

bne IntelliNews December 23, 2024

Muslim men in Russia will be allowed to take up to four wives in religious marriages, the Council of Ulema – part of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims – has decreed.

Kyrgyzstan’s President Japarov demotes liberal democracy in favour of a “traditionalist” ideology

bne IntelliNews December 22, 2024

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov has approved a new national doctrine titled “National Spirit – Global Heights”, signalling a sharp pivot from liberal governance towards a collectivist and traditionalist framework

Tens of thousands rally in Belgrade demanding accountability over Novi Sad railway station disaster

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade December 22, 2024

The canopy collapse at Novi Sad railway station on November 1 has become a rallying point for public dissatisfaction with President Aleksandar Vucic and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party.

Israel's Mossad chief calls for direct Iran strike after missile hits Tel Aviv

bnm Gulf bureau December 22, 2024

Mossad Director David Barnea has recommended Israel launch direct strikes against Iran in response to a Houthi missile attack that hit Tel Aviv

Germany ignored multiple warnings by Saudi Arabia before Magdeburg attack

bnm Gulf bureau December 22, 2024

German authorities dismissed multiple warnings about the suspect in Friday's deadly Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, including formal alerts from Saudi Arabia

Iran's Supreme Leader rejects claims of regional proxy forces

bne Tehran bureau December 22, 2024

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has forcefully rejected assertions that Iran maintains proxy forces in the Middle East.

Turkish Foreign Minister meets Syria's new leader al-Sharaa in Damascus

bnm Gulf bureau December 22, 2024

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conducted his first diplomatic visit to Damascus on December 22 as his country offered to support the new administration.

Trump signals readiness for Iran nuclear talks via Omani channel – Iraqi media

bne Gulf bureau December 22, 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump has sent a message to Tehran through Omani intermediaries expressing readiness to negotiate a new nuclear deal if re-elected.

Iraq halts oil exports to Syria amid regional instability

bnm Gulf bureau December 22, 2024

Iraq has suspended crude oil exports to Syria, citing regional instability, in a move that threatens to deepen Syria's fuel crisis

Russian long-haul driver murdered in northern Iran

bne Tehran bureau December 22, 2024

Iranian authorities are investigating the death of a Russian citizen who was found with gunshot wounds in the northern province of Gilan.

Iranian ambassador claims US sets conditions on Syrian-Iranian relations

bnm Gulf bureau December 21, 2024

Iran's ambassador to Lebanon has alleged that the United States has established specific conditions regarding Iran's future role in Syria.

Croatian Bosqar Invest acquires bakery Mlinar in €100mn deal

bne IntelliNews December 20, 2024

Croatia-based holding company sees huge potential for food sector in Southeast Europe.

Syria's new leader al-Sharaa declares "end of Iranian project"

bnm Gulf bureau December 20, 2024

Syria's new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, has declared that the opposition's victory has "set back Iran's regional project by 40 years" while pledging that Syria will no longer serve as a platform for destabilising Arab states.

Dismiss