US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reveals that Iranian weaponry being smuggled to Yemen was intercepted by the US and other international military partners

Israel & Middle East

Iran Vows to Stand by Hamas in Destroying Israel

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed on Monday to fight with the Palestinians against Israel until the Jewish state's demise.

Middle East

Rocket Fired Toward US Embassy in Iraq Hits Nearby Home, Injures Child: Reports

A rocket aimed at Baghdad's Green Zone, home of the U.S. Embassy, struck a residential home and injured a child, according to reports.

Middle East

Explosion Reportedly Damages Power Plant in Iran, the Latest in Series of Blasts

Incident in city of Ahvaz follows mysterious explosions at nuclear facility and site near Tehran, which prompted regime to issue warning to Israel and US

Christian Persecution

Law Change Further Threatens Christians, Other Religious Minorities in Iran

A change in legislation passed by the Parliament of Iran could make it easier to arrest, imprison Christians and other religious minorities in that country.

Europe

Russia, Turkey & Iran Coordinate Anti-US Syria Policy, Slamming Israel

Russia, Turkey & Iran held a meeting to coordinate efforts in Syria; Their goals appeared aimed at undermining the US role in Syria & condemnation of Israel

Middle East

Iran Warns Israel, US Suspecting Sabotage After Explosion at Nuclear Site Makes Third Incident in 7 Days

Hours after an explosion at a nuclear complex, Iran warned it would weigh its response to “hostile countries,” if they crossed Iran’s “red lines"

Middle East

At Least 17 Dead in Explosion in Medical Center in Tehran

A loud explosion was heard in northern Tehran on Tuesday evening causing thick clouds of smoke to fill the skies, Iranian News Agency ISNA reported.

Lawlessness

Lebanese President Warns of Civil War Climate as Unrest Grows Amid Economic Downfall

Lebanese President issues warning of an ‘atmosphere of civil war’ as unrest continues to rise; As Lebanese pound declines nearly 75% since last October.

Middle East

Large Blast in Iran came from Suspected Missile Site, Satellite Images Show

An explosion rattled Iran’s capital that analysts believe hides an underground tunnel system & missile production sites, satellite photographs showed.

Israel & Middle East

Israeli Airstrikes Reported Against Iranian Sites in Syria, Killing 2

Airstrikes were reported Tuesday evening in two areas in Syria, with some reports attributing the deadly strikes to Israel.

Middle East

Saudi Arabia Repels Ballistic Missile Strike from Iran’s Yemen Rebels

The Saudi-led coalition said Tuesday it repelled aerial attacks by the Yemeni, Iran linked, Houthi rebels aimed at targets in Saudi Arabia.

Distress of Nations

The Iranian Rial Falls to Lowest Value Ever, Largely Due to US Sanctions and COVID-19

The rial reaches an all-time low amid ongoing US sanctions and the effects of COVID-19; The rial has depreciated in value a reported 600% since 2015.

Middle East

Iran Combats Resolution Put Forth That Would Require them to Allow the IAEA Access to Potential Nuclear Sites

Iran is vowing to take drastic measures if this new resolution allows the IAEA to access two controversial sites that they’ve restricted to date;

Middle East

Iran Destroys Targets at Distance of 170 Miles in Recent Cruise Missile Test

Iran’s Navy successfully struck targets in Gulf of Oman & Indian Ocean during a recent cruise missile test; Claims missiles can outreach distance of test.

Europe

Syrian Chemical Weapons Agency Sought Illicit WMD Tech in Germany

The SSRC, an agency the US gov't says builds chemical weapons for Assad regime, made attempts last year to obtain illegal WMD technology in Germany.

Middle East

Turkey Enters Northern Iraq in Ground Operation Against Kurdish Rebels

Turkey said it has airlifted troops for a cross-border ground op against Kurdish rebels in Iraq, in 1st known airborne/land offensive by Ankara inside Iraq

Israel & Middle East

Gaza Rocket Strikes Field in Israel as Hamas Urges ‘Resistance’ to Annexation

IDF retaliates with strikes in Gaza after projectile strikes open area in Eshkol region, as terror groups threaten to step up clashes along the border

Lawlessness

Crumbling Economy & Corrupt Government – Unrest Continues Throughout Lebanon

As the civil unrest throughout the small Mediterranean country of Lebanon continues, riots and clashes with police forces took place again Friday evening.

Anti-Semitism

Germany Condemns Iran’s ‘Spread of Anti-Semitism’ in a Policy Reversal

Germany reversed its position previously labelling Iranian regime's calls to exterminate the Jewish state as only “anti-Israel rhetoric” not antisemitic.

Africa

Turkey Rejects Egypt’s Call for a Ceasefire in Libya

Egypt proposed a ceasefire on Wednesday that was rejected by Turkey soon after; This suggestion from Egypt was welcomed by both Russia and the UAE.

Europe

Standoff in the Mediterranean – Greece Confronts Turkish Cargo Ship, Turkey Issues Warning

Grecian military stands in the way of Turkish cargo ship making its way to Libya on Wednesday; Greece would later fall back after Turkey issued a warning.

Africa

Locusts Swarms Cover 13 Countries; Expected to be 8,000 Times Larger Than Last Year

The swarms of locusts that covered Africa last year returned, unseasonal rains generated what experts believe could be 8,000 times larger than the last.

Middle East

Iran to Execute Alleged CIA Agent Involved in Soleimani’s Killing

An Iranian citizen who allegedly provided information to US on the whereabouts of IRGC slain commander Soleimani to be executed soon.

Israel & Middle East

Iranian Forces Amass on Israeli Border – Report

Strikes in Syria last week by Israel targeted Iranian forces; According to analysts, Iran is disguising militia as Syrian & massing them on Israel's border

Isaiah 5:20

Jihadist, Christian Persecuting Iranian President Lectures President Trump About Bible

Iranian President who presides over funds for jihadist groups, threatens destruction of Israel, and Persecutes Christians lectures Trump on the Bible.

Lawlessness

Lebanon: Clashes & Tear Gas in Beirut as Anti-Government Protests Turn to Riots

Lebanese riot police fired tear gas at protesters in Beirut on Saturday, after a planned anti-government demonstration quickly degenerated into rioting.

Europe

Russia Delivers Advanced MiG-29 Fighters to Assad

The handover to Syria of a squadron plus of Russian “advanced & modernized” MiG-29 fighter jets is confirmed by Moscow at Russia’s Khmeimim air base

Israel & Middle East

Israeli Official Anticipates Cyberwar on the Horizon

An Israeli cyber official warns of coming cyberwar; Unna: Cyber winter is coming and coming faster than even I suspected.

Israel & Middle East

Iran Bans the Use of Israeli Technology in New Law

Iran has passes law officially banning use of Israeli technology; Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has implemented the new law as of Tuesday.

Israel & Middle East

Jordan: World Cannot Stay Silent in Face of Israeli Annexation

Jordan has warned that Israeli annexation, including within the context of President Trump’s peace plan, would harm its 1994 peace treaty with Israel.

Berean Review

Jan Markell: Is Genesis 12:3 Curse Playing Out?

Jan Markell wonders if the Genesis 12:3 curse is playing out: "I will bless them that bless thee [Israel], and curse him that curseth thee"

Anti-Semitism

Sign of Unity – Gantz & Netanyahu Respond to the Hostility of Iran’s Supreme Leader

Benny Gantz & Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu respond to Iranian supreme leader Khamenei’s hostile remarks towards the Jewish State.

Middle East

ISIS Candidate to Replace Al-Baghdadi is Arrested by Iraqi Security Forces

One of the most recent candidates to be the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq & Syria (ISIS) is reported to have been arrested by Iraqi security forces.

Anti-Semitism

Iran Prioritizes Anti-Israel Quds Day Rallies Despite Severe COVID-19 Scenario

Iran approved & encouraged anti-Israel Quds Day rallies despite severe COVID-19 circumstances; Their parliament banned any Iranian cooperation with Israel.

Israel & Middle East

Supposed Israeli Strikes in Eastern Syria Kill Seven Iranian-Backed Militias

Seven casualties are reported in eastern Syria after supposed Israeli airstrikes; Iranian-backed militias were targeted in this attack

Israel & Middle East

Rocket Attack On US Embassy Baghdad – Report

Media in Iraq reported sirens and a rocket attack on the US embassy in Baghdad Tuesday morning. Sirens were heard after two in the morning.

Anti-Semitism

Iran’s Khamenei Lashes Out in Anti-Semitic Tweets Against Israel, UK

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Khamenei on Sunday issued a series of antisemitic-laced tweets against Israel, also blaming Britain for creating Israel.

Israel & Middle East

Jordan Warns Israel of Political Confrontation if they Proceed with Annexation of Judea & Samaria

While Israel is prepares annexation of Judea & Samaria in coming weeks, Jordan’s King warns the Jewish State of a political conflict should they proceed.

Anti-Semitism

Holy Jewish Site of Esther & Mordechai Set Ablaze in Iran – Reports

National Director of Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Jonathan Greenblatt announced Friday on Twitter that the tomb of Esther and Mordechai in Iran was torched.

Distress of Nations

Iran Joins Lebanon, Turkey, and Syria in Economic Danger as Rial Takes Massive Dip in Two Days

Iranian Rial dropped nearly 10% between Sunday & Tuesday; US sanctions seen as primary source of Iran’s downward economic trend; COVID-19 is also a factor.

Middle East

Friendly-Fire Leaves Multiple Iranians Dead in the Gulf of Oman During Training Exercise

At least 19 Iranian casualties are reported after a naval friendly-fire incident occurred in the Gulf of Oman during a training exercise

Israel & Middle East

Iran Linked to Failed Cyber-Attack on Israel’s Water Systems in April

Reports indicate Iranian involvement in a failed cyber-attack on Israeli water systems; The attack was detected before any effects could take place

Christian Persecution

Bigotry, Caste System Fuel Pakistani Christians’ Suffering

A recent spike in deaths among Christian sewer cleaners in Pakistan has exposed the country’s long history of discrimination against religious minorities.

Middle East

Report: Iranian Border Guards ‘Laughed’ as They Tortured & Drowned Afghan Migrants

A group of 50 to 70 Afghan migrants attempting to cross the border into Iran were allegedly beaten, tortured, and in some cases drowned by Iranian security guards on May 1.

Christian Persecution

Five Countries Added to List of Top Religious Persecutors

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom added five countries to its list of top offenders in its 2020 annual report.

Israel & Middle East

Senior Defense Officials: Iran Pulling Out of Syria as Israel Pummels its Forces

Significant increase of airstrikes blamed on Israel has led Iran to reduce forces and decrease weapons smuggling by air, says Senior Defense Minister.

Europe

Turkish Fighter Jets Harass Military Helicopter Carrying High-Ranking Personnel from Greece

Turkish fighter jets fly dangerously close to greek military helicopter carrying high-ranking officials; Reports of Turkish jets daily violating Greek airspace

Israel & Middle East

Syrian Air Defences Activated by Allegedly Israeli Airstrikes Over Aleppo

Israel has previously struck several military research facilities believed to have been a center for chemical and biological weapons.

Middle East

Turkish Lira Drops to 7.02 Per US Dollar; Turkish & Lebanese Economies Continue to Struggle

The Lira meets record low; The reported value is now approximately 7.02 lira per US dollar; This comes after continual drops in previous weeks.

Europe

Mossad Gave Berlin Intel on Hezbollah Ops on German Soil Ahead of Ban — Report

Israel’s Mossad spy agency gave information to Germany on Hezbollah’s activities on its soil ahead of the country ban of the terror group this week.

Distress of Nations

Several Banks Set on Fire in Lebanon Amid Economic Protests

At least a dozen banks were set on fire and vandalized Tuesday evening throughout Lebanon; IMF warns of economic danger for the remainder of the year.

Europe

Turkey Says Deployment of Russian S-400 missiles Will Go Forward; Despite Warnings of US Sanctions

Turkey's planned deployment of Russian S-400 missile defenses was delayed by COVID-19 will ultimately go ahead despite US warnings of sanctions.

Middle East

US Sanctions Iranian and Iraqi National Over Support of Iran’s Quds Force

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Taif Mining Services LLC and its owner over accusations he helped support Iran's elite Quds Force.

Distress of Nations

Bomb Blast Kills 40 People in Northern Syria

At least 40 civilians were killed, including 11 children, when a bomb detonated on an oil tanker in the northern Syrian town of Afrin on Tuesday.

Israel & Middle East

Report: Israel Strikes Pro-Iranian Militia Base in Syria

Syria accused Israel of carrying out pre-dawn airstrikes near Damascus, saying that its air defences units had engaged "incoming Israeli warplane activity."

Christian Persecution

Iran Imposes Flogging on Christian Convert for Peaceful Protest

The Islamic Republic of Iran imposed a sentence of lashes and prison on Mary (Fatemeh) Mohammadi, one of Iran’s most famous converts to Christianity.

Middle East

Trump says he’s Instructed Navy to ‘Destroy’ any Iranian Gunboats Harassing US Ships

Pres. Trump instructs US Navy to fire on any Iranian ships that harass it at sea, following 11 IRGCN vessels coming dangerously close to US ships.

Middle East

Iran’s IRGC Claims to have put First ‘Military Satellite’ in Orbit; US: Launch may have Failed

Iran’s IRGC says they launched country’s first “military satellite” into orbit as they attempt to show off military capabilities at sea, air & space.

Middle East

Turkey Becomes Mid-East Epicenter of the COVID-19 Outbreak as they Approach 100,000 Cases

Turkey has surpassed Iran as number one COVID-19 infected country in Mid-East, though there is significant speculation of Iran’s reported number of cases.

Israel & Middle East

Israeli Strike in Syria Targets Senior Iranian Officials and Other High-Level Targets

Reports of the Syrian air defense systems being alerted on Monday evening; Strikes believed to be targeting several Iranian targets in the area.

Middle East

Iran’s Guard Acknowledges Tense Encounter with US; Accuses American Navy Ships of Sparking Incident

Iran acknowledged it had tense encounter with US warships last week, but alleged without offering evidence that American forces sparked the incident.

Israel & Middle East

Iran Shows off Drones that can Reach Israel, Threat Increases

Iran’s Defense Ministry unveiled new drones over the weekend for the Islamic Republic’s army and air force; Claims they could reach Israel from Iran.

Middle East

Airline Conducts Coronavirus Blood Tests on Passengers Before they Board Flights

One airline is now administering blood tests to passengers before they board flights amid the coronavirus pandemic, it announced on Wednesday.

Africa

Iran Regime, ISIS and Other Extremists Exploit Coronavirus to Wreak Havoc

Iranian Regime, the Islamic State and other extremist groups all over the world are watching for an opening due to the pandemic.

Middle East

US Navy: Iran Harasses US Vessels in Gulf, Came Within Yards of Colliding

Iranian IRGC boats harass US warships, according to a new report, coming dangerously close; incidents happened in the Persian Gulf

World news biblically understood

Tag: Middle East

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