Iranian President Hassan Rouhani leaves after delivering a speech at plenary session during the Asian African Conference in Jakarta April 22, 2015. Reuters/Beawiharta/Files
Reuters: Iran's Rouhani vows to back Syria 'until the end of the road'
Iran will back Syria's President Bashar al-Assad until the end, Iranian news agencies quoted President Hassan Rouhani as saying, signaling undimmed support for Tehran's Arab ally following major gains by armed opposition factions in recent weeks.
Syria's military is under some of the toughest pressure it has faced in the four-year conflict. Last month, Islamic State forces seized control of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria, which sits on major roads leading to Homs and the capital Damascus.
MIDDLE EAST
U.S.-led troops launch 15 air strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military.
Islamic State continue battles in Aleppo.
U.S. accuses Syria of backing Islamic State's Aleppo advance.
Iraq coalition winning against IS, says US. Iraq PM says allies not doing enough to counter Islamic State.
Yemen conflict: doctors warn of crisis as medical supplies run low.
Hamas security forces kill rival activist in Gaza shoot-out: witnesses.
Full-scale construction work at Iran’s Bushehr-2 site will start in fall — Rosatom CEO.
ASIA
Hundreds missing after passenger ship sinks in China's Yangtze River. Survivors pulled from China boat capsizing; hundreds missing.
Aid workers killed in Afghanistan attack.
Kim Jong Un military purge continues as North Korea dictator replaces veteran defense chiefs.
NKorea no longer seeks talks with U.S. citing 'threats', says report.
South China Sea: Australia won't rule out expanded surveillance flights.
Indonesia rescues 65 'after Australian navy towed away' asylum boat.
Taiwan, Philippines coastguards in brief stand-off despite work on pact.
AFRICA
Bomb blast hits market in Nigeria's Maiduguri city, 50 killed: witness.
Somalia's al-Shabab enters Kenyan village.
Gunmen attack airport in eastern Congo, seven dead.
Protests flare again in Burundi’s capital. Burundi protesters on streets after African leaders seek poll delay.
Sudan swears in President Al-Bashir, wanted for war crimes. Sudan's Bashir says wants to repair relations with West.
Egypt court postpones Morsi death sentence verdict.
Jihadist groups in northern Mali may be better armed than military: 2015 Small Arms Survey.
African food security varies by region.
EUROPE
EU leaders stage late-night mini-summit to try to defuse Greek crisis. Emergency Greek debt talks fail to agree terms of bailout ultimatum.
Ukraine prisoners stranded in legal limbo on the frontline of a war.
Ukraine plans to seize Russian foreign property to compensate for ‘lost’ Crimea.
Russia's oil production in May 2015 nears record.
Deflation fears ease as eurozone inflation returns.
Europe mulls boycott as FIFA corruption scandal divides football.
Former German Chancellor Kohl in intensive care: magazine.
AMERICAS
Surveillance reform bill clears U.S. Senate hurdle, amendments next.
Homeland Security sends undercover agents to slip through airport security.
FBI behind mysterious surveillance aircraft over US cities.
U.S. House panel seeks to ban funding for U.S. embassy in Cuba.
Former Latin presidents press Venezuela on rights.
Mexican teachers protest education reform after government weakens stance.
Ex separatist Quebec Premier dead at 84.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Exclusive: Detainee alleges CIA sexual abuse, torture beyond Senate findings.
Islamic State 'beard police' launch ban on SHAVING – and offenders could be thrown in jail.
Cyprus may have foiled major attack after ammonia find: source.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Tobacco giants vow to fight Canadian judgment handing C$15bn to smokers.
Fifa corruption: Blatter deputy Jerome Valcke denies payments.
Google investigations continue, says EU's Margrethe Vestager.
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