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Matt Lee
In this undated file photo released online in the summer of 2014 on a militant social media account, which has been verified and is consistent with other AP reporting, terrorists of the Islamic State group hold up their weapons and wave its flags on their vehicles in a convoy on a road leading to Iraq, in Raqqa, Syria. (Militant photo via AP, File)
February 7, 2019, 12:39 am
Trump predicts all IS territory will be cleared next week
Islamic State terrorists hold an area of fewer than 5 square kilometers in Syria, or less than 2 square miles, all that’s left of their once vast ‘caliphate’
By Matt Lee
Palestinian demonstrators burn an effigy depicting US President Donald Trump during a protest against US aid cuts, outside the United Nations' offices at the Khan Yunis refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip on February 11, 2018. (AFP/Said Khatib)
May 18, 2018, 10:52 pm
US readies Mideast peace plan rollout next month, but threatens Palestinian aid
Sources say Trump administration will present long-awaited framework after Muslim holy month of Ramadan and officials have begun briefing allies on its contents
By Matt Lee
US President Donald Trump speaks as First Lady Melania Trump (L) looks on as he visits the Metropolitan Police Department command center in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 4, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGAN)
October 5, 2017, 3:07 am
Nuke deal hangs in balance as Trump plans Iran policy speech
Despite opposition from top aides, US president next week seen likely to declare landmark accord does not meet America’s national security interests
By Bradley Klapper and Matt Lee
US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, right, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford wait for the beginning of a hearing before Senate Armed Services Committee October 3, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images/AFP)
October 4, 2017, 2:13 am
To save face and Iran deal, US seeking ways around recertification minefield
Administration exploring avenues to keep nuke pact intact without Trump saying Tehran compliant, including avoiding recertification debate altogether
By Bradley Klapper and Matt Lee
Then US secretary of state John Kerry, left, meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at United Nations headquarters on September 26, 2015. (AP/Craig Ruttle)
January 14, 2016, 3:31 am
US, Iran forge new relationship as nuke deal advances
Kerry has spoken with his counterpart Zarif 11 times since the start of the year, more than any other foreign leader
By Matt Lee and Bradley Klapper
An armored personnel carrier, likely a Russian made BTR-82A, firing large-caliber bullets during a battle in Latakia, Syria, is seen in a video posted online on August 23, 2015. (Screen capture YouTube)
September 16, 2015, 2:31 pm
Washington nonplussed by Russian buildup in Syria
Moscow’s ongoing support of the Assad regime complicates Obama’s Syria strategy, leaving the administration with few options
By Matt Lee
From left, US Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, US Secretary of State John Kerry and US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, second from right, at a hotel in Vienna, Austria, Saturday, June 27, 2015. (Carlos Barria/Pool via AP)
June 28, 2015, 6:01 am
Amid intense talks, US and Iran shift from foes to frenemies
Whether or not sides can reach pact on nuclear program, rapprochement forged through years of negotiations likely to linger
By Bradley Klapper and Matt Lee
US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel (L) welcomes the arrival of Minister of Defense of Israel Moshe Ya'alon (R) during an honor cordon October 21, 2014 at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images/AFP)
October 25, 2014, 2:00 am
US officials confirm: Israel defense chief denied meetings
Ya’alon’s requests to meet with Secretary of State Kerry, Vice President Biden in Washington were turned down this week
By Matt Lee and TOI staff
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