Middle east news update

Here's a summary of recent news from the Middle East:

Iran

• Iran has announced that it will increase its uranium enrichment levels to 20% purity, a move that is likely to further escalate tensions with the United States and other Western powers. (Source: BBC News)
• The US has imposed new sanctions on Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other top officials in response to the country's nuclear program. (Source: Al Jazeera)

Israel

• Israel has launched airstrikes against Iranian-backed militia targets in Syria, in response to a rocket attack on Israeli territory. (Source: The New York Times)
• The Israeli government has approved the construction of new settlements in the occupied West Bank, despite international criticism. (Source: Haaretz)

Palestine

• The Palestinian Authority has announced that it will no longer recognize Israel's sovereignty over the occupied territories, in response to the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. (Source: The Guardian)
• The Israeli military has killed several Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, in response to rocket attacks on Israeli territory. (Source: Al Jazeera)

Yemen

• The Saudi-led coalition has launched a new military campaign in Yemen, in an effort to retake the port city of Hodeidah from Houthi rebels. (Source: The Guardian)
• The UN has warned of a humanitarian crisis in Yemen, as the country faces a severe food shortage and widespread famine. (Source: BBC News)

Syria

• The Syrian government has announced that it has regained control of the city of Aleppo, after a years-long battle against rebel forces. (Source: The New York Times)
• The US has accused the Syrian government of using chemical weapons against civilians, and has threatened to take military action in response. (Source: CNN)

Lebanon

• The Lebanese government has announced that it will hold new elections in May, in an effort to address the country's political crisis. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• The US has imposed new sanctions on Lebanese politicians and businessmen, in response to corruption allegations. (Source: The Daily Star)

Turkey

• Turkey has launched a military operation in northern Syria, in an effort to drive out Kurdish militants. (Source: The Guardian)
• The US has imposed new sanctions on Turkish officials, in response to the country's detention of American citizens. (Source: CNN)

Gulf States

• The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will withdraw from the OPEC oil cartel, in an effort to increase its independence in the global energy market. (Source: Bloomberg)
• Saudi Arabia has announced that it will increase its oil production, in response to rising global demand. (Source: The Wall Street Journal)

These are just a few of the latest news stories from the Middle East.