World
Middle East
Trump warns Syria not to 'recklessly attack' Idlib
US President warns Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his allies Iran and Russia that hundreds of thousands of people could be killed.
- by David Shepardson
Latest
Iraq
Rival Iraq groups claim blocs to form government
The new government will be tasked with rebuilding the country after a three-year war with Islamic State militants.
Extremism
Blasts from area of military airport shake Syrian capital
There are conflicting reports about the cause of large explosions near Damascus. Syria claims it was an accident at a munitions dump but others blame Israeli air strikes.
USA
Condemnation greets US cut to Palestinian refugee aid
Donald Trump's own Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had argued against the drastic funding cut at a meeting this month, but son-in-law Jared Kushner prevailed.
- by Edward Wong
USA
US cancels funding for UN program for Palestinian refugees
Palestinian refugees will no longer receive aid from the US as part of a major reshaping of Middle East policy under President Donald Trump.
- by Karen DeYoung and Ruth Eglash
Fearing 'perfect storm' UN urges evacuation of civilians from Idlib
The special envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, fears a devastating impact on nearly three million people.
- by Jamey Keaten
Iran
Iran is complying with nuclear deal restrictions, watchdog finds
Donald Trump sensationally pulled the US out of the nuclear deal, alleging that Iran had not complied with the terms.
- by Francois Murphy
Syria
Syrian army reportedly preparing Idlib assault, Russia navy ready
Sources say the Syrian government is preparing a phased assault on Idlib, the last rebel holdout, as NATO says it's seen a build up of Russian vessels in the area.
- by Laila Bassam & Angus McDowall
Yemen
Saudi Arabia, UAE accused in UN report on Yemen war crimes
The military coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Yemen has killed thousands of civilians in airstrikes, UN investigators said.
- by Nick Cumming-Bruce
Politics
Iran defiant: 'no third party' will limit its support to Syria
Israel has expressed concern over Iran's growing influence in Syria, while the US has been pressing for Iran to withdraw its fighters from the war-torn country.
- by Albert Aji
War
US, Russia trade warnings over Syrian chemical weapons
There are fears Syria's Bashar al-Assad is preparing to unleash chemical weapons as the push to recapture north-western territory accelerates.
- by Margaret Talev