Finding solutions to climate change, conflict in Mideast are urgent challenges for COP28

DUBAI: With Earth on the precipice as the devastating impacts of climate change loom ominously, it has become an urgent imperative to respond to this rapidly transforming world. As the international community prepares for the 28th Conference of the Parties, or COP28, hosted by the UAE, it is crucial to underscore the significance of this global gathering in addressing the complex interplay between climate resilience and conflict-affected regions.

Iran nuclear site deep underground challenges West as talks on reviving atomic deal have stalled

DUBAI: Near a peak of the Zagros Mountains in central Iran, workers are building a nuclear facility so deep in the earth that it is likely beyond the range of a last-ditch US weapon designed to destroy such sites, according to experts and satellite imagery analyzed by The Associated Press.
The photos and videos from Planet Labs PBC show Iran has been digging tunnels in the mountain near the Natanz nuclear site, which has come under repeated sabotage attacks amid Tehran’s standoff with the West over its atomic program.

Lebanon PM condemns Hezbollah military maneuver

BEIRUT: Lebanon Prime Minister Najib Mikati has condemned a military exercise by Hezbollah that used live ammunition, warning against any action that “undermines the authority and sovereignty of the state.”

His remarks came in response to a question from US Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka regarding the Hezbollah maneuver, which was held on Sunday in southern Lebanon.

The exercise included demonstrations of heavy weapons, missiles and drones.

Iran’s Raisi replaces longtime security chief Shamkhani

TEHRAN: Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday appointed a Revolutionary Guards general as the new secretary of the country’s top security body, replacing longtime chief and leading Gulf mediator Ali Shamkhani.
“Ali Akbar Ahmadian was appointed as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council by the decree of the president,” the official presidential website reported.

Egypt, Oman back diplomatic efforts to solve regional crises

CAIRO: Egypt and Oman have underlined the need to intensify diplomatic efforts to resolve regional crises in the interests of Arab countries and their peoples.

The call came during talks between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said of Oman in Cairo.

The pair exchanged the highest decorations of their respective countries in celebration of Sultan Haitham’s visit to Egypt.