BAGHDAD -- Iraq's National Intelligence Service (INIS) said Tuesday it had dismantled an international drug ring and seized 200,000 Captagon pills in a joint operation with Syria.
The mission was executed based on "accurate intelligence and continuous surveillance across multiple regional countries," an INIS statement said. (Iraq-Drug-Joint operation)
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TEHRAN -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has agreed to pardon or commute the sentences of 2,108 prisoners, but none of those involved in recent protests will benefit from the move, the judiciary said on Tuesday.
The clemency was granted to mark a major religious holiday and the 47th anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, which falls on Wednesday. The pardons followed a request from judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, according to the judiciary's Mizan Online news outlet. (Iran-Convicts-Pardon)
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CAIRO -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Tuesday held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, Egypt's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Abdelatty expressed "Egypt's full support for the negotiations and all efforts aimed at de-escalation, supporting dialogue, and addressing all concerns through diplomatic and political channels." (Egypt-Iran-Phone talk)
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DAMASCUS -- The Syrian interim authority said Tuesday that its forces have begun withdrawing from the outskirts of the northeastern city of Hasakah under an agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Local media reported that internal security units have been deployed to areas vacated by pro-Damascus forces to maintain public order. The authority added that the SDF has so far adhered to the deal and taken "positive steps" toward its implementation, while officials continue to monitor developments to determine next steps. (Syria-SDF-Withdrawal) Enditem
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