Trending Middle East

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We bring you the top news stories, field reports and in-depth insights from the Middle East and beyond

  1. 15 HR AGO

    Israel and Lebanon to hold rare direct talks – and US-Iran negotiations 'suspended'

    In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Israel and Lebanon are set to hold rare direct talks in Washington, even as attacks are carried out on cities including Beirut. Israel says strikes against Hezbollah will continue, while the Iran-backed group has rejected negotiations without a halt to the attacks. Iran has reportedly "suspended" talks with the US until Israel stops its attacks on Lebanon, as tensions persist over whether the country is included in the two-week ceasefire. Meanwhile, Kuwait says "vital facilities" were hit by Iran, while the UAE reported no attacks for the first time since the war began. We also look at the economic effects of the crisis, with Saudi oil production capacity reduced and Egypt adjusting domestic policy as fuel prices ease. In Dubai, new support measures are being introduced to help businesses manage the impact of the regional conflict, including financial relief and initiatives to boost retail activity. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

    3 min

  2. 1 DAY AGO

    Lebanon strikes kill hundreds as ceasefire dispute deepens

    In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Israeli strikes across Lebanon have killed hundreds and injured more than a thousand people as the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran hangs by a thread. We look at the growing disagreement over whether Lebanon is included in the ceasefire, with Iran insisting it is and the US and Israel saying it is not. In the UAE, senior officials outline the country’s position following the ceasefire, emphasising sovereignty and the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. And in Abu Dhabi, researchers are developing new cancer drugs that can both target tumours and be tracked through MRI scans, offering potential advances in care. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

    3 min

  3. 2 DAYS AGO

    US and Iran agree to two-week conditional ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz to reopen

    In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with negotiations set to begin on a broader deal. US President Donald Trump announced Washington will suspend its attacks, while Tehran said it will halt operations if strikes stop. Pakistan is to mediate talks between the sides in Islamabad on Friday. We also look at what the agreement could mean for global energy supplies, as Tehran says it will allow vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz "via co-ordination with Iran's armed forces". In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, contradicting Iran's version of the agreement. Markets have reacted to the developments, with oil prices falling and US stock futures rising on expectations that the crisis will continue to ease. In the UAE, doctors are using AI technology to help detect heart disease, as health experts work to address one of the country’s leading causes of death. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

    3 min

  4. 3 DAYS AGO

    Trump's deadline for Iran looms and Security Council to vote on Strait of Hormuz

    In today’s episode of Trending Middle East podcast, another deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to accept a deal is drawing closer, with Washington warning of severe consequences if Tehran does not comply. At the United Nations, the Security Council is preparing to vote on a resolution addressing Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz. We also look at the growing impact on global energy flows, after Qatari LNG tankers were forced to turn back from the strait, signalling continued disruption to one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. In the UAE, authorities are preparing new support measures for the tourism sector as the conflict weighs on business activity. And we cover long-term economic policy, as the UAE extends its Emiratisation strategy to 2040. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

    3 min

  5. 4 DAYS AGO

    Iran ceasefire talks under way as strikes on Gulf infrastructure escalate

    In today’s episode of the Trending Middle East podcast, diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israeli war with Iran are gathering pace, with talks reported to be under way about a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a longer-term agreement. But even as negotiations continue, US President Donald Trump has renewed threats of further strikes on Iranian infrastructure. We also learn the latest statements made by diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, Dr Anwar Gargash, who says Iran’s actions will probably strengthen rather than diminish the US role in the region. He also highlights growing Israeli influence in the Gulf. Iranian attacks have continued on key energy and infrastructure sites in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain. There are also signs of normal activity in the UAE, with Dubai’s live events sector beginning to recover despite continuing disruption. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

    3 min

  6. 3 APR

    UN Security Council to vote on Hormuz crisis as attacks and disruption grow in the region

    In today’s episode of Trending Middle East podcast, the UN Security Council prepares to vote on a Bahrain-backed resolution addressing Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as Gulf states push for measures to protect global shipping and maintain the flow of trade. We also cover the latest security developments, including missile attacks on Israel claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. In Iran, US President Donald Trump says a major bridge linking Tehran and Karaj has been destroyed, indicating continued escalation and pressure on key infrastructure. In the UAE, churches in Dubai will be closed to the public over the Easter weekend, with some moving services online as a precaution amid continuing missile and drone threats. The conflict is also affecting education across the region, with a major UK exam board cancelling international GCSE and A-level exams in several countries, including the UAE, as schools look for alternative arrangements. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

    2 min

  7. 2 APR

    Trump says US close to achieving objectives in Iran

    In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, we look at US President Donald Trump's suggestion that Washington is close to achieving its core objectives. While he pointed to a possible end to operations, questions remain over how the conflict will conclude and what comes next. We also look at the UAE’s response, as officials reject reports suggesting the country could take part in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force. In London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called an international meeting to address the crisis, warning that even if the war ends, risks to global shipping will persist. Elsewhere, Unesco, the UN's cultural organisation, has granted enhanced protection to dozens of cultural sites across Lebanon amid the conflict, while Nasa has launched Artemis II, the first crewed Moon mission in more than half a century. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated by humans.

    3 min

  8. 1 APR

    Trump suggests new timeline for Iran war as regional attacks escalate

    In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, we look at signs of a shift in the trajectory of the US-Israel war on Iran, after US President Donald Trump suggested the conflict could end within weeks. We also look at the economic impact of the conflict, as rising oil prices drive sharp increases in fuel costs across the UAE. Governments across the region, including Egypt and Jordan, have also raised fuel prices in response to global market strain. Finally, we cover the latest escalation in regional attacks, with missile launches from Yemen’s Houthi rebels against southern Israel, and reported Iranian strikes hitting infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain.  Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated by humans.

    3 min
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We bring you the top news stories, field reports and in-depth insights from the Middle East and beyond

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