Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has moved to reassure allies of US commitment to the region and said Washington would look at all other options if Iran didn't engage "seriously."

The Taliban's victory in Afghanistan could raise the morale of various Islamist extremist groups. Analysts believe that this will lead to new alliances and an increased danger of terrorist attacks.

The Biden administration is to move Patriot anti-missile batteries from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan. The Pentagon refused to say where the technology is being relocated.

China has long portrayed itself as a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause while also building closer political, economic and military links with Israel.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges both Israel and the Palestinians to lower tensions as violence flares in the Middle East. More than 300 people were injured Monday as clashes erupted between Israeli police and Palestinians at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, which is sacred both in Islam and Judaism.

Our guest is Manuel Arnaut, one of the most influential figures in the world of fashion today. The 37-year-old is the editor-in-chief of Vogue Arabia. He tells us about his favourite covers, focusing on positive stories in the region and tackling taboos.

Recent surveys indicate strongly that across the Middle East and Iran, almost half the population is loosening their ties to Islam. Governments have reacted differently to calls for reforms of institutional religion.

It was Wednesday when the German chancellor herself came out to announce it was Novichok. German scientists had determined that Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin's most outspoken critic, was poisoned with the same Soviet-era nerve agent used against former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal two years ago in Salisbury, England. What happens next?

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Friday. Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Friday.⁣⁣⁣

For families living in Europe and with origins in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, holidays are often synonymous with returning home. But these family reunions sometimes turn into a living nightmare for young girls. Each year, thousands of them suffer female genital mutilation (FGM), without their prior knowledge or consent, in their parents' country.

Palestinian demonstrators protest against the U.S. Middle East peace plan, in Gaza City, as Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh urges international powers to boycott US President Donald Trump's "peace plan" which they see as biased towards Israel.

Fearing a war on its doorstep, EU foreign ministers are gathering in Brussels to find ways to deescalate tensions between the US and Iran. The conflict in Libya and Turkey's recent involvement will also be discussed.