Iran has dismissed the latest U.S. sanctions threat as a sign of desperation, insisting that Washington's pressure campaign will fail to change Tehran's policies. The response comes as the Trump administration prepares what officials describe as the toughest sanctions package yet, targeting Iran and countries that continue doing business with it. Iranian leaders argue that years of economic pressure have failed to achieve U.S. objectives, while Washington says tougher measures are needed to increase pressure on Tehran. As tensions escalate, the debate is shifting beyond sanctions: who is becoming more isolated on the global stage—Iran or the United States?


US-Iran war: Trump turns to economic warfare, pressures world to isolate Iran

Israeli strikes in Gaza have reportedly killed at least three Palestinians, including a four-year-old child, amid renewed tensions despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The attacks targeted multiple locations in central Gaza as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of intensified military action over alleged launches of kites, drones and balloons from the enclave. The developments come as diplomatic efforts continue to secure long-term stability, address the future of Hamas, and negotiate the withdrawal of Israeli forces. With civilians once again caught in the crossfire, concerns are growing over the risk of renewed escalation in the region.

Israel warns Hamas over kite launches from Gaza 

Syria has urged Israel to alter its regional security policy, calling for a new bilateral security agreement centered on full state sovereignty and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territory seized following the fall of the Assad regime. Amid high-level, U.S.-mediated de-escalation talks in Jordan following recent airstrikes. 


Syria wants Israel to change policy, seeks new security agreement

Israel on Sunday carried out two airstrikes in Gaza, killing at least two people, including a 4-year-old boy and wounding seven others, Palestinian health officials said. The strike hit a building in Zawayda town in the central section of Gaza City.&nbsp;The 4-year-old boy has been identified as Mohammad Abdel-Salam Taha. According to medics, flying shrapnel and debris from the explosion spread across dozens of metres, wounding him along with six others and later pronounced dead at the hospital.&nbsp;The strike occurred despite an ongoing, US-backed ceasefire that originally took effect in October 2025. The IDF has not commented on the strike. "There is no ceasefire, there is nothing," said Abu Ahmed, a displaced Palestinian ⁠who was sheltering close to the building, which the airstrike reduced to a pile of mangled steel and concrete."We want ​solutions, we want to live in peace," he said.A separate strike targeted the nearby Nuseirat refugee camp area and the adjacent Maghazi camp. Palestinian health officials confirmed casualties from this second location, where at least one other individual was killed.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-invited-makkah-defence-pact-saudi-turkey-pakistan-1787485962086">Iran reportedly invited to join Makkah Defence Pact amid Saudi-Houthi tensions</a><h2>Israeli settler violence continues in occupied West Bank&nbsp;</h2>Israeli army on Sunday arrested 14 people in the occupied West Bank, including a child. Occupiers burnt a residential room, set fire to a vehicle and spray-painted racist slogans in the northern part of the town of Osarin, south of Nablus in the northern West Bank, reported Turkish news agency Anadolu. Separately, in Bethlehem, occupiers attacked irrigation pipes and uprooted olive and grape trees. In Ramallah, Israeli forces closed the western entrance to al-Mughayyir village, subjected some Palestinians to field interrogations and fired tear gas toward vehicles. Occupiers also burned a tent, equipment and animal feed belonging to a Palestinian farmer on the outskirts of Burqa village, east of Ramallah. The Israeli settler violence has continued to increase since the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip began on October 7, 2023.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least two people, including a 4-year-old boy, and wounded seven others amid an ongoing US-backed ceasefire.

Israel on Sunday carried out two airstrikes in Gaza, killing at least two people, including a 4-year-old boy and wounding seven others, Palestinian health officials said. The strike hit a building in Zawayda town in the central section of Gaza City. The 4-year-old boy has been identified as Mohammad Abdel-Salam Taha. According to medics, flying shrapnel and debris from the explosion spread across dozens of metres, wounding him along with six others and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The strike occurred despite an ongoing, US-backed ceasefire that originally took effect in October 2025. The IDF has not commented on the strike. "There is no ceasefire, there is nothing," said Abu Ahmed, a displaced Palestinian ⁠who was sheltering close to the building, which the airstrike reduced to a pile of mangled steel and concrete. "We want solutions, we want to live in peace," he said. A separate strike targeted the nearby Nuseirat refugee camp area and the adjacent Maghazi camp. Palestinian health officials confirmed casualties from this second location, where at least one other individual was killed. Also Read: Iran reportedly invited to join Makkah Defence Pact amid Saudi-Houthi tensions Israeli settler violence continues in occupied West Bank Israeli army on Sunday arrested 14 people in the occupied West Bank, including a child. Occupiers burnt a residential room, set fire to a vehicle and spray-painted racist slogans in the northern part of the town of Osarin, south of Nablus in the northern West Bank, reported Turkish news agency Anadolu. Separately, in Bethlehem, occupiers attacked irrigation pipes and uprooted olive and grape trees. In Ramallah, Israeli forces closed the western entrance to al-Mughayyir village, subjected some Palestinians to field interrogations and fired tear gas toward vehicles. Occupiers also burned a tent, equipment and animal feed belonging to a Palestinian farmer on the outskirts of Burqa village, east of Ramallah. The Israeli settler violence has continued to increase since the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip began on October 7, 2023.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least two people, including a 4-year-old boy, and wounded seven others amid an ongoing US-backed ceasefire.

Israel airstrikes kill 2 in Gaza, including 4-year-old boy, amid ceasefire

Lebanon's fragile economic recovery is facing another major blow, with the world bank warning the country's economy could contract this year.
The latest Israel-Hezbollah war is adding to the economic strain. Inflation is also expected to climb higher.

Lebanon economy set to shrink 6.4%

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting pressure on multiple fronts. A new opinion poll shows Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar Party surging to 26 seats, while Netanyahu's Likud drops to 20. The survey also indicates the opposition bloc rising to 60 seats, compared to 49 for the governing coalition. Meanwhile, Turkey has reportedly issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, adding an international dimension to the political challenges confronting the Israeli leader.


Israel Elections: New Poll Shakes Netanyahu As Opposition Surges, Turkey Issues Arrest Warrant

Tensions between Turkey and Israel are drawing increasing attention as strategic rivalries deepen across the Middle East. Israel's reported strike on a Syrian military site has fueled speculation over concerns about growing Turkish influence in the region. Analysts are closely watching the military balance between Turkey's large armed forces and Israel's advanced air power and technology. Adding a new layer to the equation are evolving regional alignments, including closer cooperation between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. While no direct conflict appears imminent, the geopolitical rivalry is becoming harder to ignore.


Turkey's military scale faces Israel's technology & air power

A fresh controversy has erupted around Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir after he called for intensified killings in Gaza, reportedly advocating the killing of "30 to 40" people every night and making remarks that drew widespread international condemnation. At the same time, a newly unveiled death-penalty facility linked to Israel's controversial execution law has triggered criticism from rights groups.


Israel-Hamas War: Ben Gvir calls for targeted killings in Gaza every night

Israel-Hamas war: Germany's Friedrich Merz slams Ben-Gvir's 'inhumane appeals'

Animals at a zoo near Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp are struggling to survive amid severe shortages of food, medicine and vaccines. Malnourished lions, chimpanzees and other animals have been kept alive by zoo owner Mahmoud Gomaa despite the devastation and humanitarian crisis surrounding them.

Gaza zoo animals struggle to survive amid war 

Israel's plan to advance tenders for around 1,200 settlement homes in the strategically sensitive E1 area of the occupied West Bank has drawn strong condemnation from major Western allies. The UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada called the move “unacceptable” and urged Israel to withdraw the plans, warning that development in E1 could undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

Gaza ceasefire efforts stall as humanitarian crisis worsens 

According to reports, Israel is seeking to procure America's F-47 jet as the global arms race heats up. This jet is intended to replace the F-22 fighter jet and will also have the ability to control a swarm of AI-driven drones from its cockpit.


$3.45 billion allocated from US budget for the F-47 programme

Israel wants America’s secret F-47 fighter jet as global arms race heats up 

A fresh controversy has erupted after the Israeli military announced it will not pursue criminal proceedings over a 2024 Gaza strike that killed aid workers. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its investigation found operational failures but concluded there was no basis for a criminal case. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Australia, whose citizens were among those killed, as well as from international human rights organizations. Critics argue the findings amount to an "open-and-shut" investigation that fails to ensure accountability. The dispute is reigniting broader questions about wartime conduct, military accountability, and the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers in conflict zones.


Israel closes Gaza strike probe, Australia and rights groups demand answers 

Israel has justified its strike on a Syrian airbase, saying the operation was aimed at preventing Turkish troops from establishing a military presence there. The development highlights growing tensions involving Israel, Turkey and Syria, as regional powers seek to expand their military influence and security presence.


Israel-Turkey tensions: Netanyahu says won't tolerate Turkish military presence in Syria

Israel’s military has acknowledged that its forces fired at a vehicle in Gaza in the incident that killed five-year-old Hind Rajab in 2024, a case that drew global outrage. The IDF says the circumstances surrounding the incident are still being examined. Separately, nine people were reportedly killed in a strike on a Gaza police station, while Israel said Hamas commanders were among those targeted.


Israel admits fire on Hind Rajab’s car as Gaza deaths mount

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Turkey of seeking a military foothold in Syria, warning that any Turkish military entrenchment threatening Israel will not be tolerated. The remarks came after Israel struck Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase, which Israeli officials said could be used by Turkish forces. Reports also indicate that Mossad chief Roman Gofman raised concerns about Turkey's growing military role in Syria during contacts with Syrian officials.


Netanyahu warns Turkey over Syria, signals red line on military presence 

Israel strikes Syrian airbase: Israeli strike triggers backlash from Turkey, ally US

The Head of Israel's Mossad spy agency, Roman Gofman, had a phone call with Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on August 14, 2026, to discuss Turkey's military buildup in Syria days before Israel launched targeted airstrikes, Reuters reported. This is the highest-level contact yet between Israel and the new Syrian ​government since the fall of the former dictator Bashar al-Assad in December ​2014.Early Tuesday, an Israeli aircraft carried out eight airstrikes targeting the runway of Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase in the eastern countryside of Idlib in northern Syria. The strikes caused material damage to the structures at the airbase, but did not result in any casualties.The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office noted that Syria was on the verge of breaching a mutual security status quo by allowing Turkish troops to deploy at the northern base. Netanyahu stated on a podcast that Israel will not tolerate a Turkish military buildup "that descends south because it threatens us"Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-warns-houthis-foothold-bab-el-mandeb-strait-1787155866625">Yemen warns Houthis seek foothold near Bab el-Mandeb Strait</a>Turkey on Wednesday strongly denied these allegations that it posed a threat by preparing to send troops to a base in Syria. "The frivolous allegations put forward by the Israeli Prime Minister's office aim to legitimise Israel's unlawful airstrikes targeting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. &nbsp;US envoy Tom Barrack called Israel’s strikes on Syria an “unnecessary escalation” and called for de-escalation between Israel and Syria.Turkey is a NATO ally of the United States. But Israel has tense relations with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has vociferously denounced Israel and maintains a total embargo on Israel. But it serves as the vital transit hub for the Azerbaijani oil that fuels Israel’s economy and military. It also collects a lucrative transit fee for every barrel of oil that passes through the Ceyhan terminal.&nbsp;

Mossad chief Roman Golfman spoke with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani days before Israel launched airstrikes in Syria.

The Head of Israel's Mossad spy agency, Roman Gofman, had a phone call with Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on August 14, 2026, to discuss Turkey's military buildup in Syria days before Israel launched targeted airstrikes, Reuters reported. This is the highest-level contact yet between Israel and the new Syrian government since the fall of the former dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2014. Early Tuesday, an Israeli aircraft carried out eight airstrikes targeting the runway of Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase in the eastern countryside of Idlib in northern Syria. The strikes caused material damage to the structures at the airbase, but did not result in any casualties. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office noted that Syria was on the verge of breaching a mutual security status quo by allowing Turkish troops to deploy at the northern base. Netanyahu stated on a podcast that Israel will not tolerate a Turkish military buildup "that descends south because it threatens us" Also Read: Yemen warns Houthis seek foothold near Bab el-Mandeb Strait Turkey on Wednesday strongly denied these allegations that it posed a threat by preparing to send troops to a base in Syria. "The frivolous allegations put forward by the Israeli Prime Minister's office aim to legitimise Israel's unlawful airstrikes targeting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. US envoy Tom Barrack called Israel’s strikes on Syria an “unnecessary escalation” and called for de-escalation between Israel and Syria. Turkey is a NATO ally of the United States. But Israel has tense relations with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has vociferously denounced Israel and maintains a total embargo on Israel. But it serves as the vital transit hub for the Azerbaijani oil that fuels Israel’s economy and military. It also collects a lucrative transit fee for every barrel of oil that passes through the Ceyhan terminal.

Mossad chief Roman Golfman spoke with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani days before Israel launched airstrikes in Syria.

Mossad chief spoke to Syria foreign minister before Israeli strikes on Syria

With U.S. midterm elections approaching in November and Israel heading to the polls in October, both Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are facing growing political pressure. Trump campaigned on promises to avoid new wars, but the Iran conflict and rising energy prices have weighed on his approval ratings. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is balancing security concerns, Gaza tensions and election challenges as he seeks another term. Analysts say both leaders are under pressure to show results while avoiding the perception of weakness.


The Verdict: Trump, Netanyahu race against time as wars threaten election prospects 

The UAE has accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles toward its shipping lanes, with one landing inside its territorial waters, and has responded by suspending all trade, commercial exchanges, and financial transactions with Tehran indefinitely. The UAE Defence Ministry said the missiles appeared aimed at maritime traffic, though no damage or injuries were reported. Iran has firmly denied the accusation, calling it "baseless," with some suggesting it could be a "false flag operation." The incident comes as talks between the US and Iran remain stalled, with Trump confirming no negotiations are currently planned.


Iran war: UAE accuses Iran of firing missiles at shipping, halts all trade ties 

A Jerusalem synagogue has been vandalised again, in an attack that Israeli police are reportedly investigating as a possible hate crime. 

Jerusalem reformist synagogue vandalized for flying pride flag

The Iran-U.S. war is putting growing pressure on America’s missile and air-defence stockpiles, raising concerns over how quickly depleted reserves can be replenished. At the same time, Russia’s missile production shows little sign of slowing, highlighting a major contrast in wartime manufacturing capacity. Allies and adversaries are watching closely as questions grow over U.S. readiness and long-term weapons supplies.


Iran-US war: Russia's missile production capacity shows no slowdown 

#gravitas a Jerusalem synagogue has been vandalised again, in an attack that Israeli police are reportedly investigating as a possible hate crime. 

 Jerusalem's reformist synagogue targeted for showing gay pride flag 

With a senior Pentagon official warning of a regional nuclear war, what lies ahead for West Asia?

US official hints at havoc as nuclear Pak faces nuclear Israel 

A newly opened Chabad House in Hiriketiya, southern Sri Lanka, has faced protests, harassment and alleged threats from some local residents. A demonstration led by Buddhist monks called on authorities to investigate whether the site has the required permits and to consider closure if it is found to be operating illegally. The Chabad House was established to serve Israeli and Jewish tourists visiting the popular coastal area.

Sri Lanka: new centre provides services for Israeli and Jewish travellers

Israel’s far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for Israeli forces to kill 30-40 people in Gaza every night and advocated Jewish settlements and Palestinian displacement.

Ben Gvir's Gaza rhetoric draws sharp rebuke from UAE billionaire

Hamas has agreed in principle to a roadmap for decommissioning its weapons in Gaza under a U.S.-backed peace framework. The plan calls for phased and verifiable disarmament, with U.S. oversight and Israeli military withdrawal tied to progress on demilitarisation. Major disagreements remain over the timing and implementation of the process.

No Gaza reconstruction before Hamas disarms, says Israel 

Erbil is reportedly emerging as a crucial hub for quiet diplomacy between Washington and Tehran. Reports suggest the US is exploring backchannel contacts with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to help secure a broader agreement, while Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani has again offered to facilitate dialogue. The developments highlight renewed efforts to revive negotiations amid continuing regional tensions.


US seeks IRGC backchannel to secure deal 

#gravitas An Israeli air force officer has been arrested on suspicion of using sensitive information to place bets on polymarket, including wagers tied to Israeli military strikes in Iran and Yemen. 

Israeli air force officer caught betting on next bombing on Iran, Yemen 

Israel’s far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for Israeli forces to kill 30-40 people in Gaza every night and advocated Jewish settlements and Palestinian displacement. Iran condemned the remarks

Ben Gvir calls for 30-40 nightly killings in Gaza, Iran reacts

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