Turkey allows visa exemptions to Syrian diplomatic passport holders An official presidential decision in Turkey has granted visa exemptions to Syrians holding diplomatic passports, the Official Gazette reported. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed the decision on 27 August, which would also see exemptions applied to tourist visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period as well as transit travel through Turkey.
Iran's top negotiator slams US Treasury Secretary over accusations of abroad spendings Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has slammed allegations by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent after accused Tehran of wasting vast sums of money abroad while its citizens struggle to meet basic needs. "Instead of funneling billions to its terrorist proxy, Israel, and 750 bases, this failing empire could spend that cash on its own people, but nah, that'd make too much sense for this regime," Ghalibaf said in a post on X. "Scotty, man [?
UK applauds dissolution of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces The UK welcomed the dissolution of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces as part of an agreement with the interim government. Kate Foster, UK deputy permanent representative to the UN, said that the decision marks a milestone in Syria’s political recovery and in the deepening relationship between the government and the UN. "We also welcome the recent announcement of the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces into central government structures.
OIC foreign ministers condemn Israeli attacks on Palestinians The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned Israeli attacks on Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank on Thursday at a meeting of foreign ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, of the organisation's 57 member states. The session reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem to the Muslim world and reiterated support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, independence and freedom, as well as the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital. In its final statement, the council rejected Israeli settlement expansion and attempts to separate any part of the occupied Palestinian territory or impose new political, security or administrative realities on the ground.
Lebanon’s security tied to wider West Asia stability, top security official says Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei said Iran considers Lebanon’s security to be part of the security of the wider West Asian region in an interview with Al-Manar network on Thursday, according to Iran’s IRNA news. He also called for an end to wars and military operations in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria, warning that “continued tension in any part of the region will affect all countries in the region politically, economically, and security-wise.
Syrian president appoints SDF leader Mazloum Abdi as adviser Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed the leader of the now-dissolved Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, as a presidential adviser, according to state media. The US-backed Kurdish-led SDP was dissolved as part of a deal struck with the new authorities in Damascus, in a move hailed by the US.
Ben-Gvir thanks Trump for defending Israel's raid of Unwra headquarters Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has thanked the US president for sharing a report by Just the News saying "USAID report finds more than 100 UNRWA employees participated in Hamas atrocities on Oct. 7". The UN has said nine employees of Unwra, its agency for Palestinian refugees, “may have been involved” in the October 7 attack, adding that they have been fired.
Iran is preparing list of conditions to reopen Hormuz, says security chief Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, said on Thursday that Tehran is preparing a list for mediators of its conditions to open the Strait of Hormuz, including ending the war in the region. In an interview with Lebanon's Al Manar TV, Rezaei said that Iran has agreed to a transit corridor with Oman, adding that ships would transit through a designated central channel in the strait if the US meets Tehran’s conditions. Rezaei’s statements come as Qatar’s prime minister holds talks in Tehran, part of intensified efforts by regional mediators to pave the way for a US-Iran agreement to de-escalate and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Ghalibaf accuses US of 'funnelling billions' into 'terrorist proxy, Israel' Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker Muhammad Bagher Ghalibaf has slammed US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s comments on Iran’s economy in a post on X on Thursday. Ghalibaf wrote: “Instead of funneling billions to its terrorist proxy, Israel, and 750 bases, this failing empire could spend that cash on its own people, but nah, that’d make too much sense for this regime. ” He wrote the post in response to comments from Bessent accusing Iran of “squander[ing] enormous sums abroad” while “the Iranian people struggle to afford basic necessities”.
Israel's Smotrich sets out plan to 'Judaise' Arab population centres Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Thursday laid out his party's plan to dramatically increase the number of Jews living in two areas of the country with large Arab-Israeli populations, ahead of Israeli elections in October. "Today I present to you the Religious Zionism's plan for the Judaisation of the Negev and Galilee: the revolution we carried out in Judea and Samaria – we will carry out in the Negev and Galilee, and on a massive scale," he wrote on X, using the Hebrew names for the West Bank. Smotrich said that the goal of the project is "one million additional Jews in the Negev and Galilee, 40 new settlements, dozens of farms, expansion of existing settlements and hundreds of thousands of housing units," adding that "we will cancel the reckless plans in the Arab settlements that have seized land reserves and threaten Jewish settlement in the area.
Qatari and Iranian officials meet in Tehran to discuss de-escalation of regional tensions The Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met on Thursday with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran to discuss regional developments and the need to de-escalate tensions. During the meeting, Al Thani "stressed the necessity of resuming the diplomatic process, emphasizing that dialogue is the best way to address differences and avoid further escalation in the region," according to a statement from Qatar's foreign ministry. Iran's Tasmin news agency also reported that Ghalibaf had emphasised the need to de-escalate regional tensions and creating suitable conditions for resuming dialogue.
Moroccan minister questions Spanish sovereignty over enclave of Ceuta Submitted by Alex MacDonald on Thu, 08/27/2026 - 13:53 Ahmed Toufiq evoked 'occupied cities' in North Africa soon after Morocco's justice minister asserted the kingdom's 'historical and geographical right' to Ceuta and Melilla Migrants on Trampolin beach after receiving food from the Red Cross in Ceuta, on 22 August 2026 (Antonio Sempere/AFP) Off A Moroccan minister has questioned Spain 's sovereignty over the enclave of Ceuta during an official ceremony marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Ahmed Toufiq, Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs, made the comments at the Royal Palace of Rabat at an event presided over by King Mohammed VI. Speaking about scholars who had informed the understanding of the Prophet Muhammad throughout the centuries, Toufiq referenced a number of works by intellectuals from Ceuta.
Israel considers expelling UK from Gaza monitoring centre Submitted by MEE staff on Thu, 08/27/2026 - 12:18 Mooted move is a response to Andy Burnham's plans to introduce stronger measures against illegal Israeli settlements Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham listens to hospital staff upon arrival at the Main Military Hospital in Kyiv on 24 August 2026 (AFP) Off Israel is considering expelling British officials from the US -led International Gaza Support Center (IGSC), which was established to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The move is being considered in response to Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plans to introduce stronger measures against illegal Israeli settlements. According to the Financial Times , the Israeli government is also considering expelling Italy and Germany from the IGSC.
Israel replaces Damascus Gate name on East Jerusalem signs Submitted by Fayha Shalash on Thu, 08/27/2026 - 12:51 Israeli authorities change public signage as Palestinians warn of efforts to reshape the city's historic and cultural identity Israeli municipality workers install a new sign for Damascus Gate in occupied East Jerusalem (X) Off Israeli authorities have replaced “Damascus Gate” with “Ancient Gate” on public signs in occupied East Jerusalem, in what critics describe as a further attempt to erase the city’s Palestinian identity. Damascus Gate, on the northern side of Jerusalem’s Old City, is one of the most prominent entrances through its ancient walls. It is also a main route for Palestinians travelling to Al-Aqsa Mosque and a key social gathering point.
Iranian press review: Principlists warn that regional mediation could be US trap Submitted by Heba Nasser on Thu, 08/27/2026 - 10:00 Meanwhile, there's a mixed response to new US sanctions, former diplomat criticises 'too much courtesy' towards Gulf states, and Sharif university expels six dissident students Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R) meets with Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi in Tehran, 25 August 2026 (Iranian foreign ministry/Wana/Handout via Reuters) Off Principlists warn of 'US deception' in talks Recent efforts by Pakistan and Oman to mediate between Iran and the US have been met with scepticism from Iran’s principlist camp, which views regional diplomatic initiatives as part of Washington’s efforts to mislead Tehran and alter its calculations. The Kayhan daily, an outlet close to this camp, described the visits by Pakistani and Omani officials to Tehran as part of a “new phase in the White House’s deception operation”. This scepticism towards mediation stems from the fact that the US and Israel have, on two occasions so far, launched attacks while negotiations with Iran were under way; an experience that has contributed to deeper distrust of any proposal for negotiations or a ceasefire.
Badenoch must answer for the Tories' blanket support for Israel Submitted by Peter Oborne on Wed, 08/26/2026 - 15:45 Despite ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, the UK Conservative Party remains staunchly allied with the Netanyahu regime UK Tory leader Kemi Badenoch speaks in London earlier this month (Justin Tallis/AFP) Off UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s change of stance on Israel is popular in Britain , though many consider that it comes much too late and does not go far enough. It has naturally been condemned by Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denouncing the “Islamic Republic of Britain” and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar slapping down his counterpart , Ed Miliband, for his “patronising tone”. Israel can, however, continue to rely on one significant supporter: Kemi Badenoch’s Conservative Party.
Iran’s Pezeshkian urges Muslim nations’ for unity despite differences Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian is delivering a speech at the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran. During the speech, he called for unity among Muslim nations despite their differences. Masoud Pezeshkian also slammed US-Israeli aggression against his country, and said that "Iran stood strong against US-Israeli aggression".
Morning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, Here are the latest developments: Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa said that his country has entered a new phase of "reconstruction" after the US lifted sanctions. "We are at the beginning of a long and sustainable road defined by dignity, revival, reconstruction, development and civilisation," Sharaa said during the opening of the 63rd Damascus International Fair. The head of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (Unrwa) told Al Jazeera that the Israeli government’s raid on the last remaining facility run by the UN agency earlier this weep is an attempt to "eliminate the presence of the United Nations" in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Netanyahu vows to establish more settlements in the occupied West Bank Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue establishing settlements in the occupied West Bank despite mounting international pressure, while promising a major wave of Israeli immigration to the occupied Palestinian territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue establishing settlements in the occupied West Bank despite mounting international pressure, while promising a major wave of Israeli immigration to the occupied Palestinian territory. pic.
US senator slams Ben Gvir and 'extremists' in the Israeli government after Unrwa raid US Senator Chris Van Hollen has criticised Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and "extremists" in the Israeli government after a raid on an Unrwa facility in occupied East Jerusalem. "Ben-Gvir & extremists in the Israeli govt want to get rid of UNRWA with the hopes of ensuring that there is no such thing as a Palestinian refugee," Van Hollen said in a post on X. "The world should not continue to sit back & let this happen to UNRWA.
