US issues sanctions on Turkish bank that it calls a ‘critical financial lifeline’ for Iran in latest economic squeeze

By The Associated Press
September 4, 2026 | 10:56 AM

WASHINGTON (AP) — US issues sanctions on Turkish bank that it calls a ‘critical financial lifeline’ for Iran in latest economic squeeze.

Israel releases more Lebanese prisoners, a shipping slowdown and other Mideast news

By The Associated Press
September 4, 2026 | 11:39 AM

Israel has released four more Lebanese civilians who had been detained by its forces in southern Lebanon. Ship traffic remains low on the Strait of Hormuz days after the U.S. and Iran exchanged attacks for the first time in a month. And fighting has intensified in Yemen between Iran-backed rebels and government forces. Here’s a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East. Full coverage can be found here. Israel releases 4 more Lebanese civilians Israel released four Lebanese civilians to Lebanese authorities on Friday as part of a deal between the countries, a day after the first was freed. All had been detained by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, where troops now occupy a large swath in the wake of new fighting with Hezbollah that began two days after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran.

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