TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Saudi Arabia’s severing of diplomatic ties with Iran may force the Islamic Republic to stop its citizens from going on the annual hajj pilgrimage, a prominent Iranian lawmaker said Monday, as world leaders sought to cool tensions between the two Mideast rivals. The sharp escalation between …

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have been tense since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, though there have been occasional thaws between the two rivals. The tensions have now sharply escalated with Saudi Arabia severing ties with the Islamic Republic following attacks on Saudi …

GAUHATI, India (AP) – A strong earthquake hit India’s remote northeast region before dawn Monday, killing at least eight people, injuring more than 100 and causing damage to several buildings. The death and injuries were caused by falling debris. Manipur state’s home minister, G. Gaikhangam, said several parts of the …

PATHANKOT, India (AP) – At least two gunmen were holed up in a two-story building on an Indian air force base near the Pakistan border and exchanging gunfire with troops Monday, more than two days after they and several others attacked the heavily fortified compound, officials said. Seven troops and …

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – Chinese stocks plunged nearly 7 percent Monday, triggering an emergency trading suspension and pushing global markets sharply lower. The grim start to 2016 was caused by weak Chinese manufacturing data and tensions in the Middle East. The Shanghai Composite Index dived 6.9 percent to 3,296.66, …