Blinken takes aim at Israeli settlements; says US will press ahead with Israel-Saudi normalization

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that the expansion of Israeli settlements and ongoing demolitions of Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank are taking Israel further away from peace with the Palestinians. Yet, he stressed that the U.S.-Israel...

Iran to reopen its diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia after a 7-year rift, state-run media say

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s foreign ministry announced it would reopen its diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia this week, restoring diplomatic ties after a seven-year rift, state-run media reported on Monday. The foreign ministry’s spokesman, Nasser Kanaani said that the Iranian...

Saudi Arabia welcomes Venezuelan leader Maduro, reaching out to yet another US foe

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia has welcomed Venzuelan President Nicolas Maduro on an official visit, reaching out to yet another U.S. foe as the oil-rich kingdom engages in a flurry of diplomacy. Maduro arrived late Sunday in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, where he...

Saudi Arabia is slashing oil supply. It could mean higher gas prices for US drivers

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Saudi Arabia will reduce how much oil it sends to the global economy, taking a unilateral step to prop up the sagging price of crude after two previous cuts to supply by major producing countries in the OPEC+ alliance failed to push oil higher. The Saudi...

Saudi Arabia to reduce oil output by 1 million barrels per day, while rest of OPEC+ extends previous cuts through 2024

US, Saudi Arabia urge Sudan’s warring parties to agree to a new cease-fire, fighting continues

CAIRO (AP) — Saudi Arabia and the United States urged Sudan’s warring parties Sunday to agree to and “effectively implement” a new cease-fire as fighting showed no signs of abating in the northeastern African nation. Sudan descended into chaos after fighting broke out in...

Lionel Messi bids farewell to Paris amid boos

Lionel Messi didn’t care about the boos in his final game for Paris Saint-Germain as the French league champion lost to Clermont 3-2 on Saturday. Disrespectful PSG supporters booed Messi when the Parc des Princes announcer read his name on a warm evening. A few minutes later, Messi...

UN calls for immediate cease-fire in Sudan and path to renewed democratic transition talks

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council called Friday for an immediate cease-fire in Sudan to be followed by a permanent halt to hostilities and fresh efforts to reach a lasting democratic political settlement in the conflict-wracked country. The U.N.’s most powerful body...

Jordan's crown prince weds scion of Saudi family in ceremony packed with stars and symbolism

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Jordan's crown prince married the scion of a prominent Saudi family on Thursday in a palace ceremony attended by royals and other VIPs from around the world, as massive crowds gathered across the kingdom to celebrate the region's newest power couple. The...

Russian minister attends meeting of developing economies as bloc discusses adding Saudi Arabia, Iran

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Thursday with China's deputy foreign minister and other top diplomats from the BRICS bloc of developing economies for discussions that included the group's possible expansion to include the major oil-producing nations of...