DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Any attack on Iran by the U.S. or Saudi Arabia will spark an "all-out war," Tehran's top diplomat warned Thursday, raising the stakes as Washington and Riyadh weigh a response to a drone-and-missile strike on the kingdom's oil industry that shook global energy markets. The...
US Indicates Iran to Blame for Saudi Oil Strike; Iran Denies
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The U.S. tried to build its case Monday that Iran was behind the fiery weekend attack on key Saudi Arabian oil facilities that raised new war worries and sent energy prices spiraling worldwide. Iran denied responsibility, while President Donald Trump said the United States was...
In Last Words, Khashoggi Asked Killers Not to Suffocate Him
ANKARA, Turkey — In his final words, slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi urged his killers not to cover his mouth because he suffered from asthma and could suffocate, according to Turkey's Sabah newspaper. Sabah newspaper, which is close to Turkey's government, published new details of a recording of Khashoggi's conversation...
Saudi Arabia Allows Women to Travel Without Male Consent
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Saudi Arabia on Friday published new laws that loosen restrictions on women by allowing all citizens — women and men alike — to apply for a passport and travel freely, ending a long-standing guardianship policy that had controlled women's freedom of movement. The new laws,...
Nicki Minaj Pulls out of Saudi Arabia Concert
NEW YORK — Nicki Minaj is pulling out of a concert in Saudi Arabia because she says she wants to show support for women’s rights, gay rights and freedom of expression. “After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest....
Iran Breaches Uranium Stockpile Limit Set by Nuclear Deal
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran has broken the limit set on its stockpile of low-enriched uranium by its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, international inspectors and Tehran said Monday, marking its first major departure from the unraveling agreement a year after the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the accord. The announcement...
Fiancée of Slain Journalist Khashoggi Urges UN to Take Action
GENEVA — The fiancée of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi took her campaign for justice in his killing to the United Nations' top human rights body Tuesday and urged the U.N. to take "the next step" following a key investigator's finding that Saudi Arabia bears responsibility. Hatice Cengiz, a Turkish citizen, told...
Senate Votes to Block Saudi Arms Sales as Trump Vows Veto
WASHINGTON — The Senate has voted to block the Trump administration from selling arms to Saudi Arabia, launching a new challenge to President Donald Trump's alliance with the country amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Trump has promised to veto the measures. The White House said stopping the sales...
UN Expert Urges Probe of Saudi Prince Over Khashoggi Killing
GENEVA — An independent U.N. report into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said Wednesday there is "credible evidence" to warrant further investigation into the possible role of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and suggested sanctions on his personal assets. The scathing probe is likely to further harden...
Moon Sightings, Politics Play a Part in Muslim Holiday
BEIRUT — Muslims across the Middle East and beyond began Tuesday marking the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr, one of the most celebrated holidays for the world's 1.5 billion Muslims, amid confusion about the start of the three-day holiday fed partly by political differences. The holiday marks the end of...