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IAEA says Iran agrees to more monitoring at Fordo enrichment plant

Iran has agreed to increased monitoring by the UN nuclear watchdog at its Fordo enrichment plant, following its plans to ramp up production of highly enriched uranium at the site, the agency said in a report seen by AFP on Friday.The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said last week that Iran had revamped its Fordo enrichment plant (FFEP), south of Tehran.The changes would "significantly increase the rate of production of uranium enriched up to 60 percent", the agency said -- close to the 90 percent needed to make a nuclear weapon.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: IAEA says Iran agrees to more monitoring at Fordo enrichment plant

Israel orders troops to 'prepare to remain' in Syria buffer zone through winter

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to "prepare to remain" throughout the winter in the UN-patrolled buffer zone that is supposed to separate Israeli and Syrian forces on the Golan Heights.Israel seized the demilitarised zone on the strategic plateau on Sunday, just hours after Syrian rebels swept president Bashar al-Assad from power.The move drew international condemnation including from the United Nations, although close ally the United States on Thursday said it was consistent with Israel's right to self-defence.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israel orders troops to 'prepare to remain' in Syria buffer zone through winter

On Syria tour, Blinken pledges to work with Iraq against IS jihadists

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised Friday to work with Iraq to ensure no resurgence of the Islamic State group after Bashar al-Assad's overthrow in neighbouring Syria.On a regional tour devoted to a suddenly-changed Syria, the top US diplomat flew to Baghdad from the Turkish capital Ankara and headed into talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.Blinken said he told Sudani of "our commitment to working with Iraq on security and always working for Iraq's sovereignty, to make sure that that is strengthened and preserved".
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: On Syria tour, Blinken pledges to work with Iraq against IS jihadists

Has Australia quietly applied a 'shadow ban' on Israelis? Group demands answers on long visa waits

Two Israeli siblings were reportedly left waiting to enter Australia for their grandmother's birthday after the Australian government demanded they answer questions on their IDF service.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Has Australia quietly applied a 'shadow ban' on Israelis? Group demands answers on long visa waits

'Syria freed!': thousands cheer at famed Damascus mosque

Thousands of jubilant Syrians converged on Damascus's landmark Umayyad Mosque for Friday prayers, waving opposition flags and chanting -- a sight unimaginable a week ago before rebels ousted president Bashar al-Assad.Families with children mixed with armed and uniformed Islamist fighters to celebrate the first Friday prayers since Assad's overthrow, later streaming into the Old City's streets and squares.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: 'Syria freed!': thousands cheer at famed Damascus mosque