Middle East/Iran & Eastern States

At least 3 killed in Kabul mosque blast

The blast comes nearly a week after a suicide attack, claimed by Islamic State, killed a top Taliban cleric

Iran says ready to swap prisoners with US

'The US must release jailed Iranian citizens without any conditions'

EU assessing Iran’s response to nuclear proposal, consulting Washington

Experts say neither Iran, nor US are willing to give on 2015 nuclear deal to avoid regional war with Israel

UN: We 'must not forget' Afghan women and children

'Their fight is our fight. What happens to women and girls in Afghanistan is our global responsibility'

Iranian advisor: Nuclear deal 'closer' than ever

Iran says there are 'three issues that if resolved' would lead to an agreement in 'coming days'

Analysis: How the West duped itself into relying on a paper tiger in Afghanistan

A failure to truly adapt to the role of mentors, undermined Western efforts to train the Afghan Army

Iran to respond to EU nuclear proposal by midnight - Foreign Ministry

'There are three issues that if resolved, we can reach an agreement in the coming days'

Iran 'categorically' denies any link with Rushdie's attacker

First foreign ministry statement since Friday's attack on British-American author

Pakistan celebrates 75th anniversary since establishment

South Asian nation formed following partition with colonial India on August 14, 1947

Servicemen reflect on West’s failure in Afghanistan 1 year after Taliban takeover

'It was never going to work'

Iran regime's violations under spotlight after Rushdie attack

Assassination attempt 'the result of 30 years of the regime's incitement to violence' against author

Iraqi factions call for new government in rival protests

'You will not break Iraq as long as Sadr is here. There is no going back from this revolution'

Iran’s Supreme Leader: Islamic Jihad proved it can ‘crush the enemy’

'Not a single day goes by without clashes with the Zionist regime in the West Bank'

RSF: Afghanistan lost 60% of journalists under Taliban

Journalists 'work in conditions that are physically and mentally violent and tiring, without any protection'

Women in Iran facing ‘virginity checks’ before marriage

'It’s embedded in society. So hopefully education and knowledge-sharing will shrink this belief'

Top Taliban cleric killed in Kabul suicide blast claimed by Islamic State

Haqqani was known for fiery speeches against the Islamic State, which often claims attacks in Afghanistan

Iran rejects US claim of plot to kill ex-official Bolton

'The US Justice Department has made allegations without providing valid evidence,' says Nasser Kanani

Cryptocurrency might help Iran bypass sanctions

Around 4.5 percent of the global bitcoin mining is done in the country

Taliban swap arms for books as hundreds return to school

'I want to study for my master's and doctorate, and for that, I need to learn English,' says a Taliban member

US uncovers Iran 'plot' to kill ex-White House official Bolton, Pompeo

Reports suggest second target was former secretary of state and CIA director Mike Pompeo

Iraq: Sadr calls on parliament to dissolve by end of next week

Sadr's bloc emerged from the October polls as the most significant parliamentary faction

Iran navy says repelled attack on ship in Red Sea

‘Thanks to the effective (naval) presence and after heavy exchanges, the attacking boats made off’

Israeli officials say chances of reviving Iran nuclear deal slim

Israel is preparing for three possible scenarios: new deal, long-drawn talks, or crisis

US says Russian officials training on Iran drones

US official: The Iran, Russia relationship exemplifies why Washington must maintain presence in Middle East