Shabtabnews In this dark night, I have lost my way – Arise from a corner, oh you the star of guidance.

Al-Monitor – After arriving in Tehran earlier this month, Pakistan’s army chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, met with the Iranian civil and military hierarchy to extend the scope of bilateral relations and consolidate security arrangements. Since Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed office in August 2018, there has been special focus on renewing trust and upgrading relations with close allies. Furthering Khan’s peace efforts …

Al-Monitor – After Iranian cities were rocked by protests over the fuel subsidy cut, information out of the country has been scarce due to a nationwide internet shut-down. Government officials have been quiet — aside from making vague statements praising themselves for suppressing the protests — and have not shared many details of the number of deaths or arrests.  According to Amnesty International, there have been 143 deaths from …

Reuters – Four months before a swarm of drones and missiles crippled the world’s biggest oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia, Iranian security officials gathered at a heavily fortified compound in Tehran.FILE PHOTO: Smoke is seen following a fire at Aramco facility in the eastern city of Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia, September 14, 2019. REUTERS/Stringer/ The group included the top echelons …

theguardian.com – Demonstrations from Baghdad to Beirut reveal the extent to which Shia dominance across the region has weakened  A funeral ceremony in Tehran last week for two security officers killed during protests against fuel price hikes. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Turmoil in Baghdad, paralysis in Beirut and flames of unrest in Tehran; it has been a bad few months for Iran at …

Radiofarda – Reports by local media in Iran say former Roads and Urban Development Minister son has been arrested on corruption charges by the Intelligence Ministry. Earlier, hardliner media had said he was arrested by the country’s judiciary. Shahram Ejtehadi, an adviser to the former Minister Abbas Akhundi, has also been arrested on the same charges, Fars News Agency close …