Iran hosts mass weddings for couples volunteering for wartime sacrifice
The ceremonies, involving hundreds of couples in several major squares in Tehran, were broadcast on state TV to boost wartime morale
· Agence France-Presse
Follow the story
Middle East
A focused view of neutral reporting on Middle East, brought together across publishers.
Explore all topics →
Neutral reports only
Newest first · UTC+11:00Iran hosts mass weddings for couples volunteering for wartime sacrifice
The ceremonies, involving hundreds of couples in several major squares in Tehran, were broadcast on state TV to boost wartime morale
· Agence France-Presse
Channel 14 presenter reveals allegedly sensitive US-Iran security information live
Opposition MKs Ram Ben-Barak and Elazar Stern (Yesh Atid) sent a letter to MK Boaz Bismuth (Likud) demanding an urgent committee discussion after Channel 14 presenter Shimon Riklin disclosed sensitive security information during a live broadcast concerning an alleged Israeli-American strike in Iran on Monday.
· MIKI LEVIN
Explosions heard in Iran's Qeshm Island in Strait of Hormuz, cause unknown, news agency says
Explosions were heard in Iran's Qeshm Island on Tuesday afternoon, the semi-official Iranian Mehr News Agency said, adding the cause was unknown, and no official entity has commented yet.
· JAMES GENN, REUTERS
Israeli forces intercept Gaza flotilla boat
Live view from boats that are part of a flotilla attempting to break the Gaza blockade after the Israeli military began intercepting them.
Scotland includes 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon in World Cup squad
Scotland’s goalkeeper Craig Gordon watch his team play during the World Cup 2022 group F qualifying soccer match between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, on Oct. 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, Fille)
Petrol hits highest price since start of Iran war
The average price of unleaded petrol has risen to 158.52p a litre, its highest level since the start of the Iran war, according to the RAC.
· Oliver Smith
Trump pauses Iran strike as Tehran vows talks don’t mean surrender
For more news, analysis, and the latest updates, head to jpost.com.
· JERUSALEM POST PODCASTS
Kurdish families return to Afrin, Syria after years of displacement
Kurdish families who were displaced from northwest Syria in 2018 are returning to their hometowns. This has been a slow process. In 2018, Turkey launched an offensive along with Syrian rebel groups into the Kurdish areas of Afrin. At the time Ankara claimed the Kurdish region was run by “terrorists.” Ankara had push…
· SETH J. FRANTZMAN
Police summon three journalists to provide testimony in 'Qatargate' investigation
Investigators from Lahav 433 - The National Crime Unit summoned three political, diplomatic, and military reporters from three different news outlets to provide testimony in the “Qatargate” investigation on Monday, The Jerusalem Post confirmed.
· JERUSALEM POST STAFF
At least one wounded following drone explosion in northern Israel with no sirens
At least one person was wounded on Tuesday when a drone launched by Hezbollah hit a parked vehicle and exploded in northern Israel without a siren sounding beforehand.
· JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Flotilla activists say Gaza-bound ships still sailing, while UN warns humanitarian situation remains dire
The organisers of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla say there are 10 ships still sailing towards the besieged enclave after Israeli forces intercepted 41 of its boats in international waters.
· Middleeasteye
Bento omitted from Brazil's World Cup squad after Al Nassr howler - but he can still end season a title winner | The National
Days after letting the Saudi Pro League title slip through his fingers, Bento has been hit by further disappointment after missing out on selection for the World Cup.
· Paul Radley
Gaza aid flotilla organisers say 41 boats intercepted, 10 still sailing
The organisers of an aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip say Israeli forces raided 41 of their boats in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, while 10 vessels continue to sail towards the besieged Palestinian enclave.
· Al Jazeera Staff
Does pragmatism mean we must accept Hamas as part of Gaza’s future? - opinion
Samer Sinijlawi, a Fatah political activist, recently argued in The Jerusalem Post that Hamas’s reported willingness to transfer governing authority in Gaza could represent the first real step toward replacing militant rule with functioning institutions capable of eventually enforcing disarmament.
· ERIC R. MANDEL
Netanyahu trial: Case 2000 hearing to end early to due ‘security reasons’
After it was canceled on Monday, the hearing in the criminal trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resumed on Tuesday morning, but will be shortened due to “security reasons.”
· SARAH BEN-NUN
Firefighters battle blaze near Beit She’an, northern Israel, as aircraft work to contain flames
Six firefighting teams from the Afula area were operating Tuesday to contain a fire in an open area near the Nof Gilad neighborhood in Beit She’an, Israel Fire and Rescue Authority’s Northern District said.
· SHIR PERETS
IDF has destroyed 60% of Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, senior commander says
The IDF's Northern Command has destroyed 60% of Hezbollah terror infrastructure in Lebanese villages, including areas where the IDF has operational control in southern Lebanon, a senior IDF Northern Command officer told Walla on Monday.
· AMIR BOHBOT
The war on Iran has complicated a closely watched Republican primary.
Representative Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, is seeking to survive a primary challenge fueled by President Trump on Tuesday in what has become the most expensive congressional primary in recent history.
· Jennifer Medina
Iran warns it will 'open new fronts' against US in the event of another attack
Iran has warned that it will "open new fronts" against the US if it is attacked again.
· Middleeasteye
Israel issues expulsion orders to a dozen towns in southern Lebanon
Israel has issued an expulsion order to a dozen towns and villages in southern Lebanon as it accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire.
· Middleeasteye
Iran’s parliament to vote on bill offering €50 million reward for killing Trump, Netanyahu
The Islamic Republic will soon vote on a bill that would see whoever kills US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and or CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper awarded with a €50 million sum, Ebrahim Azizi, the chairman of Iran’s national security commission, told state TV on Thursday.
· DANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD
Last ten Gaza flotilla ships advance toward Strip after most activists intercepted
Ten activist flotilla ships continued toward the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla ship tracker, after most of their vessels were intercepted by the Israeli Navy on Monday.
· MICHAEL STARR
Irish president 'very worried' about sister detained by Israel
Irish President Catherine Connolly said she was "very worried" about her sister, who was detained by Israeli forces on Monday while aboard the a flotilla bound for Gaza on Monday.
· Middleeasteye
How the UAE is moving past the ‘Athens’ or ‘Sparta’ models | The National
The Middle East has never suffered from a shortage of wealth or weapons. Its deeper problem has been the inability of states to transform power into stability, and prosperity into strategic resilience. Some countries built large militaries yet failed to protect themselves from internal fragmentation. Others embraced…
· Ebtesam Al Ketbi
Japan, China lead foreign government retreat from U.S. Treasuries as Gulf War fallout stokes currency fears
Foreign governments cut U.S. Treasuries in March as the Middle East war forced central banks to liquidate dollar reserves, defending local currencies against an energy shock that sent exchange rates tumbling.
· Anniek Bao
‘Really terrifying’: Families in the dark as Israel detains Aussies on Gaza aid flotilla
Families of Australians detained by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza say they hold fears for their loved ones and are in the dark about their whereabouts.
· William Ton, Kat Wong
Turning Iran’s conflict data into defensive AI - opinion
Operation Roaring Lion, aka Epic Fury against Iran has been fought and continuously recorded, via data, as well as with aircraft, missiles, drones, cyber operations, air defenses, and naval assets.
· MERAV DAVIDOVITS
Israel can expect 'tens or hundreds of missiles a day' if Iran war renews, expert warns
If hostilities turn into renewed fighting, Iran may fire tens or hundreds of missiles per day to “effectively confront the enemy and also change the calculation on the other side,” Hamidreza Azizi, an expert on Iranian security issues at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, told the New York …
· MAYA ZANGER-NADIS
Israel allocates NIS 2b. to counter Hezbollah’s lethal fiber-optic drone threat
The threat of Hezbollah's fiber-optic drones has claimed the lives of three soldiers and a civilian over the past month, and injured many more fighters, and the IDF has admitted that there is no comprehensive solution to the problem. Just last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a discussion on the subje…
· ASAF ZAGRIZAK/GLOBES/TNS, ASSAF GILEAD/GLOBES/TNS
Israeli forces storm Gaza-bound aid flotilla
Israeli forces have seized least 39 out of 51 at boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, the organizers of the action have said.
· RT
Israeli forces storm Gaza-bound aid flotilla
Israeli forces have seized least 39 out of 51 at boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, the organizers of the action have said.
· RT
S. Korea, Iran continue 'close, serious' discussions regarding recent vessel attack: foreign ministry
SEOUL, May 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Iran continue to hold close and serious consultations regarding a recent attack on a South Korean-operated vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday, vowing to take "necessary measures" once the results of an ongoing investigation become available.
· Oh Seok-min
Virgin Australia cuts corporate staff as costs spiral for airlines
Virgin Australia has laid off a number of employees in corporate roles, the latest sign of contraction in the aviation industry as it grapples with higher costs triggered by the Middle East war.
· Chris Zappone
Rates and tax will take steam out of property market, says RBA
The federal government’s tax changes will combine with higher interest rates to take steam out of the nation’s housing market, the Reserve Bank’s chief economist has signalled, while warning that businesses are likely to keep lifting prices as the war against Iran drags on.
· Shane Wright, Mike Foley
Israeli attack kills one in Lebanon's Bint Jbeil
An Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle in the town of Froun, Bint Jbeil, resulting in the killing of one person, the National News Agency reported.
· Middleeasteye
U.S. Extends Russian Oil Waiver for a Second Time
The U.S Department of the Treasury on Monday announced a 30-day extension of a sanctions waiver that allows countries to purchase Russian seaborne oil, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to roil energy markets.
· The Moscow Times
Iran used war to intensify repression, report says | The National
Iran escalated domestic repression during the US-Israeli military campaign, arresting more than 4,000 people, executing dozens and reducing internet access to near zero, a US-based human rights group has said.
· David Vujanovic
Palestine weekly wrap: Jerusalem Day, Nakba mark week of surging attacks
On May 14, Jerusalem Day – Israel’s annual celebration of its 1967 capture of occupied East Jerusalem – tens of thousands of ultra-nationalist Israelis marched through the Old City chanting ‘death to Arabs’ and ‘may your villages burn’, while attacking Palestinian shops and residents.
· Al Jazeera Staff
Pakistan Deploys Thousands Of Troops, Jet Fighter Squadron To Saudi Arabia
Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets, and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defense pact, Reuters reported on Monday, citing security and government officials.
· Tyler Durden
Iran war day 81: Trump delays attack; Tehran says won’t ‘surrender’
United States President Donald Trump said he postponed a planned attack on Iran after requests from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, adding that “serious negotiations are now taking place” behind the scenes.
· Elizabeth Melimopoulos
La guerra con Irán pone a prueba la economía de Emiratos y su imagen de refugio en Oriente Medio
El paisaje de Dubái, Emiratos Árabes Unidos, el 11 de marzo de 2026, con el Burj Khalifa en el centro. (AP Foto/Fatima Shbair, Archivo)
· Jon Gambrell
Putin hails ‘unprecedented’ ties ahead of China visit hot on Trump’s heels
Putin’s trip is widely seen as a move to boost the nations’ energy relationship as the Iran war disrupts global supply
· Shi Jiangtao
Putin hails ‘unprecedented’ ties ahead of China visit hot on Trump’s heels
Putin’s trip is widely seen as a move to boost the nations’ energy relationship as the Iran war disrupts global supply
· Shi Jiangtao
Israel's Netanyahu praises naval forces for raiding Gaza-bound flotilla
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised navy personnel for raiding a Gaza-bound flotilla on Monday.
· Middleeasteye
Job vacancies fall to lowest level in five years
The number of UK job vacancies has fallen to its lowest level in five years and unemployment has ticked higher as the initial impact of the Iran war on businesses starts to be seen.
· BBC News
EU lifts Assad-era sanctions on key Syrian ministries | The National
Syria has welcomed the EU's decision to lift sanctions on seven Syrian government entities, including the Interior and Defence Ministries.
· The National
Jayson Gillham: ‘Furious’ MSO executive complained about ‘crappy situation’ after Australian pianist’s Gaza comment, trial hears
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s then chief operating officer, Guy Ross, tells court he was concerned for Jewish colleague
· Nino Bucci
Iran says US behaviour undermining diplomatic efforts
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the “contradictory and excessive behaviours” of the United States remain a serious obstacle to diplomacy, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency.
· Middleeasteye