MIDDLE EAST

Middle East

Rain turns Iran's Hormuz Island crimson for the first time this year
The beach is known for its vivid red sand and cliffs, created by high concentrations of iron oxide.
Rain turns Iran's Hormuz Island crimson for the first time this year
UN warns rising tensions in Yemen risk wider regional escalation, urges return to dialogue
Yemen needs a sustainable, negotiated political settlement, says UN chief Antonio Guterres.
UN warns rising tensions in Yemen risk wider regional escalation, urges return to dialogue
Army ready to expand state control over weapons: Lebanon
The second phase of the arms control plan extends from the Litani River southward to the Awali River, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri says.
Army ready to expand state control over weapons: Lebanon
OPINION
opinion
US breaks with UN Security Council peers on Israeli settler violence in occupied West Bank
Washington declines to condemn Israeli settler violence and opposes briefings on a UN resolution on settlements, as other council members urge Israel to comply with international law.
US breaks with UN Security Council peers on Israeli settler violence in occupied West Bank
Israel blocks Canadian delegation, including 6 MPs, from entering occupied West Bank
Israel's refusal comes despite the earlier issuance of travel authorisations to the delegation.
Israel blocks Canadian delegation, including 6 MPs, from entering occupied West Bank
Israel abducts three men in Quneitra raid amid daily violations of Syria's sovereignty
Syrian media says Israeli forces abducted the three during a raid in the town of Al-Hamidiyah in the Quneitra countryside.
Israel abducts three men in Quneitra raid amid daily violations of Syria's sovereignty