The Latest Breaking News from Asharq Al-Awsat

The Iranian government is considering a plan for a comprehensive confrontation against international sanctions. Government spokesman Ali Bahadori-Jahromi said that drafting a comprehensive project to confront "illegal" sanctions is on the government's agenda. IRNA reported that Bahadori-Jahromi explained the plan, which revolves around supporting Iranian citizens affected by sanctions, incrementally…

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel is to be decorated with Germany's highest possible honor on Monday in recognition of her near-record 16 years at the helm of the country. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier plans to bestow the Order of Merit for special achievement on the four-term chancellor, who will become only the…

Top diplomats from the Group of Seven wealthy democracies are vowing a tough stance on China’s increasing threats to Taiwan and on North Korea's unchecked tests of long-range missiles, while building momentum on ways to boost support for Ukraine and punish Russia for its invasion. Russia’s war in Ukraine will…

The US Central Command said its forces targeted and likely killed a senior ISIS leader who it said was involved in "planning terror attacks in the Middle East and Europe" in the early hours of Monday. The US Central Command forces said it conducted the unilateral helicopter raid in Northern…

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has made a name of himself as one of the world’s leading figures by spearheading a “revolution” that has reached all aspects of life in his country and transformed Saudi Arabia into an international political, economic and social heavyweight. Riyadh has…

In mid-January, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, said that Saudi Arabia had become a bright spot for the world and regional economies. Speaking at a session at the World Economic Forum (Davos), Georgieva explained that when she visited Saudi Arabia, she was incredibly impressed…

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Sunday he had discussed in Abu Dhabi joint mediation for Russia's war in Ukraine with China and the United Arab Emirates, accusing the United States and Europe of prolonging the conflict. The President, who was wrapping up an official visit to China…

The World Snooker Tour hailed the "momentous announcement" of three tournaments in China this year, including one in Wuhan, as the return of international sport to the country gathers pace. Almost all international sports events were cancelled in China after Covid emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, and they are…

South Korea, the United States and Japan staged joint naval missile defense exercises on Monday, in a push to improve security co-operation and respond better to North Korea's evolving missile threats, Seoul's navy said. The news came days after the three nations agreed at talks in Washington to hold regular…

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday there is a "shared deep concern" among allies about the fighting in Sudan and a view that it should stop immediately and the sides return to talks. Fighting erupted in Sudan on Saturday between army units and a rival paramilitary force,…

At least four people were killed and 28 wounded in a shooting that erupted during a late-night "Sweet 16" birthday celebration at a dance studio in the small town of Dadeville, Alabama, state police and local news media said on Sunday. Some of the injured were critically wounded during the…