Trending Middle East

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, more explosions are reported across southern Iran as regional mediators work to revive negotiations between the US and Tehran. We also look at the next phase of the US-backed agreement between Lebanon and Israel, with the first "pilot security zone" expected to be established within days, before talks are held in Rome. But Israeli leaders insist the coun...

France are in the World Cup semi-finals after beating Morocco 2-0 at Gillette Stadium, ending another historic Arab and African campaign. It is France's third consecutive World Cup semi-final and they have still not conceded a goal at this tournament. Mbappe was the central figure despite missing a first-half penalty, saved by Bounou in what was a record-equalling moment. The Moroccan goalkeeper h...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, air raid sirens sound across Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait after Iran launches missile and drone attacks. Washington launched another round of strikes on Iranian military targets, while President Donald Trump says Tehran wants to make a deal but questions whether it can be trusted to honour one. We also examine the growing impact on global trade as shipping...

The fallout from Egypt's 3-2 defeat to Argentina is deepening. The Egyptian Football Association has filed a formal complaint with Fifa, calling for an investigation into referee Francois Letexier and his VAR team over what it described as serious mistakes, double standards and improper use of VAR. The EFA has also asked FIFA to remove the officiating crew from the rest of the tournament. Egypt's...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, air raid sirens sound across Kuwait and Bahrain after the US renews strikes on Iran in response to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices also climb as Washington restores sanctions on Iranian oil exports after the attacks in the waterway. We also report on the uncertainty surrounding the next round of negotiations between Isra...

Egypt are out of the World Cup, but the anger is just beginning. Argentina came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in Atlanta in a match that will be debated long after the tournament ends. Egypt led through Yasser Ibrahim's header, had a Mostafa Zico goal ruled out by VAR for a foul at the other end of the pitch in the build-up, then scored again in the 67th minute to make it 2-0. Messi set up Romero to pu...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz comes under renewed attack as Iran strikes vessels in the waterway. The incidents have fuelled concerns over energy security as Britain and France prepare a multinational naval mission to protect commercial traffic in the strait. French President Emmanuel Macron also arrives in Damascus, becoming the first...

Spain are in the World Cup quarter-finals after Mikel Merino's 91st-minute goal ended Portugal's tournament in Dallas. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, was peripheral throughout and was left in tears after what is almost certainly his final World Cup match. Roberto Martinez confirmed he is stepping down as Portugal's coach. Belgium beat the US 4-1 in Seattle in a match that rendered the Folarin Balogun cont...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump heads to the Nato summit in Turkey, where Iran, defence spending and support for Ukraine are expected to dominate discussions. European allies are also expected to outline new contributions to security in the Strait of Hormuz. In Iran, millions of mourners are expected to take part in the funeral procession for former supreme le...

England have reached the World Cup quarter-finals after beating Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca, in one of their biggest knockout victories in decades. Jude Bellingham scored twice in two minutes, but England were reduced to 10 men after a red card for Jarell Quansah and had to defend deep and face 49 Mexican crosses. Harry Kane scored a penalty and Jordan Pickford made crucial saves. England face Norway...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Syria investigates a deadly bombing near Damascus’s main courthouse, after the attack killed nine people and injured more than 20. We also look ahead to the funeral of Iran's former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Public ceremonies are to begin this weekend before a series of processions across Iran and Iraq, while officials say Iran’s new supreme...

Algeria are out of the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in Vancouver. Breel Embolo opened the scoring after 10 minutes and Dan Ndoye added a second just after half-time. Algeria had plenty of possession but not enough quality in the final third, and they failed to build the pressure they needed after falling behind. Switzerland will face either Colombia or Ghana in the last 16. Spain be...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, debate continues over Lebanon’s new agreement with Israel, with former US envoy Jeffrey Feltman questioning President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Syria should take on Hezbollah. Legal experts also warn that a clause in the agreement could complicate efforts by victims of the war to pursue international accountability. We also have the latest on US-Ira...

England survived a scare against DR Congo, falling behind after seven minutes before Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to set up a 2-1 win. Kane now has five goals at the tournament. England face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in the last 16 in the early hours of Sunday. The USA beat Bosnia 2-0 despite finishing with 10 men after Folarin Balogun was sent off following a...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Gaza health officials warn that the rate of miscarriages has risen to nearly 50 per cent. Doctors blame malnutrition, contaminated water, collapsing healthcare services and repeated displacement, with hundreds of miscarriages recorded in a month. We also turn to Doha, where Qatar is hosting a round of talks aimed at implementing the interim agreement bet...

Mexico won their first World Cup knockout match in 40 years, beating Ecuador 2-0 at the Azteca after an hour-long storm delay. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored as Mexico maintained their run of clean sheets at this tournament. Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora also became the youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match since Pele in 1958. France delivered the most complete performanc...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the UAE enters a new era of transport as Etihad Rail launches the country’s first national passenger service. The inaugural journey between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi marks a historic milestone for the UAE and the wider Gulf region, with more stations to open in the coming months. We also examine conflicting statements over the next phase of US-Iran diplomac...

Morocco are through to the last 16 of the World Cup after beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties in Monterrey, in a match the Arab side dominated for long periods without being rewarded. Cody Gakpo put the Dutch ahead in the 72nd minute against the run of play, but substitute Chemsdine Talbi, one of three under-21 players introduced by coach Mohamed Ouahbi, set up Issa Diop's stoppage-time equal...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US and Iran are expected to pause military operations as technical negotiations continue on their interim agreement. Tension in the Strait of Hormuz remains, as Tehran insists it alone will oversee security in the waterway, underlining the fragile nature of the deal. We also look at renewed Iranian attacks in the Gulf as Tehran launched missile and d...

Canada made history in the first knockout game of the tournament, beating South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles with Stephen Eustsquio scoring in the 92nd minute, driving into the bottom corner. South Korea's group stage exit has become a political issue at home, with President Lee Jae Myung calling for an investigation. Coach Hong Myung-bo has confirmed he will step down. Three Arab nations remain in t...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, UN-backed efforts to evacuate stranded seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz are suspended after an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Oman. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warns that ships must use routes designated by Tehran as efforts continue to restore safe navigation through the vital waterway. We also look at why Gulf states are not expec...

Ecuador produced the shock of the World Cup group stage, beating Germany 2-1 despite falling behind after only two minutes. Nilson Angulo equalised quickly and Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 77th minute, sending Ecuador into the knockout stage for only the second time in their history. The Netherlands won Group F after beating Tunisia 3-1 in Kansas City, with two goals inside seven minutes...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz dominates talks as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Gulf foreign ministers in Bahrain. Iran insists vessels must use routes designated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while Mr Rubio rejects any attempt to impose tolls and reaffirms US security commitments to Gulf allies. US President Donald Trump says Iran has agreed...

Morocco are through to the last 32 after a dramatic 4-2 win over Haiti in Atlanta, coming from behind twice before taking control in the second half. Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari both scored, meaning has Saibari netted in all three group games. Morocco finish second in Group C behind Brazil, who beat Scotland 3-0 with Vinicius Junior scoring, meaning he also has a goal in every game so far. Qa...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a Gulf tour with meetings in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain as Washington seeks regional backing for negotiations on a permanent agreement with Iran. Rubio says Gulf partners will help shape the next phase of talks and insists Iran will not be allowed to impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also says it has sec...