LONDON: Iranian security forces claimed that a protester killed during clashes with authorities was a member of the Basij militia, pressuring his family into spreading the lie, according to a BBC investigation.

BBC Persian reported that security forces were collaborating with state media to spread disinformation that Milad Ostad-Hashem, 37, was loyal to the regime and had been shot in the back by protesters.

ISTANBUL: Iran’s plans to supply Russia with weapons including drones and ballistic missiles in its war against Ukraine are “unacceptable,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.
Kyiv and its Western allies accuse Iran of supplying drones to Russia.
“We see Iran offering drones and considering ballistic missile deliveries to Russia,” Stoltenberg told a news conference in Istanbul.
“This is unacceptable. No country should provide support to Moscow in this illegal war.”

BEIRUT: The Lebanese Parliament has decided that the caretaker government headed by Najib Mikati can be handed the powers of the presidency amid the leadership vacuum, according to constitutional principles.

Former President Michel Aoun sent a letter to parliament on Sunday, 24 hours before the end of his term, asking MPs to withdraw confidence in Mikati’s government. He argued that it has no legitimacy and should not assume the duties of the presidency.

AMMAN: Jordan’s King Abdullah on Thursday called for intensified efforts to reach a political solution to the crisis in Syria.
Receiving Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Amman, Jordan’s ruler highlighted the importance of stabilising Syria, especially southern areas of the country, the Jordan News Agency reported.
During their meeting he also noted the need to safeguard Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, while guaranteeing the safe and voluntary return of refugees.

LONDON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Iraq’s prime minister on the formation of a government during a phone call on Thursday.

Blinken told Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani that the US is eager to work with the government that was formed on Oct. 27 to improve respect for human rights, increase economic opportunities, advance Iraq’s energy independence, and address the climate crisis.