Trending Middle East

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump says Hezbollah and Israel have agreed to stop attacking each other after efforts by Washington to prevent a major Israeli escalation in Beirut. We also look at growing uncertainty around US-Iran diplomacy after Tehran reportedly suspended indirect talks because of Israeli military operations in Lebanon. In Iraq, authorities arre...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the Gulf faces renewed security tensions after Kuwait’s air defences intercept missile and drone threats, forcing flight diversions. We also look at fresh military exchanges around the Strait of Hormuz, where the US says it carried out self-defence strikes on Iranian sites and Tehran claims it responded by attacking a facility linked to American operatio...

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, a tentative agreement has been reached in negotiations between the US and Iran, but it still requires the approval of President Donald Trump. A fourth round of talks between Israel and Lebanon is to take place today at the Pentagon. The disarmament of Hezbollah is expected to be the focus of the discussions. In Gaza, Israeli strikes across the enclave me...

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Kuwait said its air defences responded to missile and drone attacks on Thursday morning. It came after US forces carried out new strikes on Iranian drones. The Israeli military ordered the mass displacement of all of southern Lebanon, telling residents to move north of the Zahrani River. Iraqi cleric Moqtada Al Sadr said his armed faction, Saraya Al Sala...

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, the UN Security Council has condemned the drone strike on the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant, calling it a flagrant violation of international law. In Lebanon, Israeli troops have deepened their invasion, advancing beyond the so-called "yellow line” marking their occupied territory. As talks between Tehran and Washington progress, the fate of 24 billi...

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, US forces have carried out what a Central Command spokesman described as self-defence strikes in southern Iran. Israel’s military says it has conducted a wave of attacks across Lebanon, despite a ceasefire that has been in place since April. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the restoration of international internet access after months of r...

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump tells negotiators to "take their time" as a deal between America and Iran moves closer. In Bahrain, the High Criminal Court has sentenced nine people to life in prison for collaborating with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. At least 16 people have been killed in a bomb blast on a railway track in Quetta, Pakistan. The e...

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, mediators led by Pakistan are working to narrow differences between Iran and the US before possible direct talks resume next week. Iran could cut power to government offices as the prolonged conflict causes energy shortages. In Helsinki, Finnish President Alexander Stubb proposes a security framework for the Middle East after the conflict that brings tog...

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Tehran receives Washington’s latest proposal to end the war and is reviewing its terms, Iranian media has reported. Iraq announces a new committee in co-ordination with the UAE and Saudi Arabia to investigate recent drone attacks originating from its territory. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir faced backlash from his own government afte...

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, The UAE tells a UN Security Council meeting that an attack on its Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a "red line" that constitutes a dangerous escalation. In Washington, the US Senate has advanced a war powers resolution on Iran that would require President Donald Trump to obtain congressional authorisation to resume the military campaign beyond 60 days. Ba...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump says he delayed planned military strikes on Iran after appeals from Gulf leaders to allow more time for negotiations. Iran has submitted a new 14-point proposal aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz through talks mediated by Pakistan. Tehran has also unveiled plans for a new authority to manage passage throu...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, world leaders condemn a drone attack near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant after authorities intercept two drones and report a fire outside the site’s inner perimeter. Saudi Arabia also intercepts drones entering its airspace from Iraq, as Gulf states warn they reserve the right to respond to threats against their security. In Washington, US Preside...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump suggests the US could resume military operations against Iran, even as US commanders say Tehran’s offensive capabilities have been heavily weakened. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in the UAE for talks focused on regional security, energy and the impact of the Strait of Hormuz crisis. The UAE condemns the sinking of...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump begins talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with trade, Iran, energy and the Strait of Hormuz on the agenda. We also look at rising tension in the Gulf after Iran demands the release of four suspected Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operatives detained by Kuwait after an alleged infiltration attempt. On Gaza, th...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump heads to Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with Iran, energy and the Strait of Hormuz expected to dominate discussions. We also look at growing pressure around the strait, as Washington signals it is prepared to maintain a prolonged blockade, while Russia and China oppose a US-backed UN resolution targeting Ir...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, analysis reviewed by The National shows nearly 100,000 civilian structures in southern Lebanon have been destroyed or damaged by Israel's campaign of "wanton destruction", with legal experts warning it could amount to a war crime. We also look at an investigation into Houthi weapons networks in Yemen, where advanced missiles and drones linked to Iranian...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump calls Iran’s response to American proposals for ending the conflict “totally unacceptable” as negotiations continue through Pakistan and tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz. We also look at renewed drone attacks across the Gulf, including strikes intercepted by the UAE and an attack on a cargo vessel travelling towa...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran comes under renewed strain after both sides exchange fire near the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington waits for Tehran’s response to a proposed framework aimed at ending the conflict. In the UAE, the Ministry of Defence says air defence systems have engaged with further drone and missile threats from Iran thi...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the world is awaiting Iran’s response to a US proposal aimed at ending the war, as Washington and Tehran move closer to a possible framework agreement covering sanctions, shipping and Iran’s nuclear programme. We also look at France’s efforts to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz by sending the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the region and discussio...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US pauses its “Project Freedom” escort mission in the Strait of Hormuz while maintaining its naval blockade on Iran, as mediation continues through Pakistan. We also look at a new UN Security Council resolution drafted by the US and Gulf states aimed at protecting shipping routes and removing sea mines from the waterway. In Washington, Secretary of S...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, tensions are rising around the Strait of Hormuz after renewed Iranian attacks on the UAE, drawing widespread international condemnation. We look at the UAE’s response, including intercepted missiles and drone strikes that caused damage in Fujairah, as officials warn the country will not be intimidated. In the Strait of Hormuz, maritime incidents continue...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US prepares to begin escorting foreign vessels through the Strait of Hormuz under a new initiative aimed at easing pressure on global shipping. In Tehran, Iran says it has received a US response to its 14-point peace proposal aimed at ending the war within 30 days. In Abu Dhabi, policymakers and industry leaders gather for the Make it in the Emirates...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, 13 suspects are set to stand trial in the UAE over a multimillion-dollar plot to funnel weapons to Sudan’s army through the country’s financial system. In Washington, the US Senate blocks an attempt to force President Donald Trump to end the war in Iran. In the UAE, authorities ban citizens from travelling to Iran, Iraq and Lebanon, citing continuing reg...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, UN-backed forecasts warn that almost a quarter of Lebanon's population could face acute hunger, as the conflict continues despite ceasefire efforts. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discuss the war in Iran and a possible ceasefire in Ukraine during a phone call. The US conflict with Iran is approaching a legal deadline that...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the UAE confirms its exit from Opec as a long-term strategy to gain greater flexibility in oil production and meet higher output targets. We also look at Adnoc’s progress towards producing five million barrels per day, as the energy sector adjusts to disruption caused by the Iran war. In Washington, British King Charles III defended Nato during an addres...