Iran calls Zelensky’s criticism ‘worthless political show’ meant to secure western funding

Ukraine has so far refused to meet with Iranian military officials to discuss claims Russia is using Iranian-made drones in the battlefield

From democrat to dictator to diplomat: Western media’s shifting narratives on Erdogan

Over 20 years of Erdogan's rule, the western media narrative has shifted from calling him a 'reformer' to labelling him a 'dictator.' Now, with the Turkish president's unexpected electoral comeback, western media's tone has softened yet again. 

Iranian president to visit Damascus this week

The first visit of an Iranian president to Syria in twelve years comes as major changes and developments are taking place in the region

The sanctions boomerang: Why trade bans backfire

Trade wars have been common throughout history, but they often have unintended consequences that undermine their intended goals. From Napoleon to the US and EU – none got it right.

Why Azerbaijan is wringing its hands over Turkish elections

Azerbaijan is watching upcoming Turkish elections with a great deal of concern. An Erdogan victory means continuity for Baku's hardline regional policies, but an opposition win may undermine its recent gains.

Germany issues 6,567 visas to victims of Turkiye, Syria earthquake

National visas were issued as part of the reunification procedure, reuniting 1,085 victims with their families in Germany

Turkiye closes airspace for flights through Iraq’s Sulaymaniyah airport

Turkiye claims the measure is in response to increased militant activity of the PKK, which has bases in the Qandil mountains north of the city

The Iran-Saudi deal: A bid to end endless war

The Beijing-brokered rapprochement between Tehran and Riyadh is expected to have significant implications for peace and prosperity in and around West Asia, given the considerable influence the two nations wield in the region.

Multipolarity was triggered by the 2003 US invasion of Iraq

Twenty years after the unlawful and destabilizing US-led invasion of Iraq, Washington must face the ultimate consequence of that war: UNSC powers China and Russia laying the foundation for a genuine, UN Charter-based system of multipolarism. 

Turkiye to resume normalization talks with Syria this week

Defense Minister Hulusi Akar expressed hope that Syria would be understanding of its unwavering position regarding the Kurdish presence on its border

Iran expels two German diplomats

The reasoning behind their expulsion was accredited to Germany's interference in Iran's internal affairs following the sentencing of a German-Iranian national to death

Germany expels two Iranian diplomats

The diplomats were expelled from the country over Tehran's recent sentencing of a German national to death

Russian weapons on display in UAE

Kalashnikov assault rifles and missile systems were on sale at the Russian panel during the International Defense Exhibition in the UAE

Russia to install Iranian-made turbines in hydroelectric plants: Report

Moscow will reportedly replace German-made turbines as western sanctions prevent these from receiving maintenance

Germany eyes 10-year LNG supply deal with Oman

Over recent months, Berlin has signed supply deals with the UAE and Qatar as part of efforts to replace the loss of Russian fuel following the destruction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline

Germany may repurchase artillery systems from Qatar to send to Ukraine

The SPAAG systems were initially sold to Qatar in 2020 for ensured security at the 2022 World Cup tournament

Fuel-starved Germany welcomes Iraqi PM for talks on gas deliveries

The Iraqi premier is also expected to finalize a deal with German conglomerate Siemens to pave the way for the 'rehabilitation and maintenance' of Iraq's power grid

German exports to Iran increased by 12.7 percent in 2022

Despite heavy sanctions by the west, the net value of exports from Germany to Iran between January and November of 2022 amounted to $1.6 billion

Lebanese central bank chief demands ‘guarantees’ he will not be arrested: Report

Prime Minister Mikati is reportedly making sure that the European judicial delegation does not bypass Lebanese law

Predictions for 2023? Annus horribilis with some surprising upsides

The Cradle's writers offer up their predictions for 2023. The common theme is massive global shifts, some good, some bad.

US on alert as UAE seeks to join Turkish-Syrian reconciliation talks

As the UAE tries to join Russia in mediating between Ankara and Damascus, the US is looking to establish a middle ground between Turkiye and the SDF in hopes of preventing normalization with Syria

Woman, Life, Freedom…and NATO

A superpower in decline still retains a vast appetite for irregular, proxy warfare to slow down the imminent multipolar order. Iran, Russia, China are its big targets and all tools will be employed.

A US tool against Iran: Kurdish militancy on the Iran-Iraq border

US and Israeli-backed armed Kurdish separatists on the Iraqi border have participated in every incident of Iranian domestic strife, from 2009 to 2022.

Iran conducts first protest-related execution

The Islamic Republic has issued several death sentences against 'rioters' found guilty of violent acts

Saudi Arabia inks arms deal with Spain to strengthen naval forces

Riyadh has increased its efforts in cooperation with nations across the globe as Saudi leaders look to move away from the kingdom's US dependency

Iran forms panel to investigate protest killings as judiciary issues more death sentences

While Tehran has yet to disclose the number of civilians who have died in the protests and riots, officials say at least 50 members of the security forces have lost their lives

Tehran and Kiev ‘taking steps’ to resolve drone issue: Iran envoy

Iran has clarified that its drone deliveries to Russia took place before the start of the war with Ukraine

Ukraine claims Iranian drones used by Russia ’75 percent US made’: Report

Kiev claims components made in Israel, Japan, and Germany were also found inside the alleged Iranian drones

Iran takes aim at ‘interventionist’ and ‘undiplomatic’ Germany

A day before Abdollahian’s comments, Germany called for a fresh batch of sanctions to be imposed against the Islamic Republic

Iranian president receives head of Russian security council

Nikolai Patrushev confirmed that western intelligence is behind the violent riots taking place across the Islamic Republic