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. 14 hr ago

    US and Iran expected to stop fighting, Iraq expands anti-corruption drive and Saudi helicopter crash

    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 drone strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait. The UAE and Oman have strongly condemned the aggression, while Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it could tighten enforcement in the strait as a response to any further escalation. In Lebanon, the newly signed, US-brokered peace agreement is already under pressure after fresh clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah along the southern border. In Iraq, Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi has expanded his anti-corruption campaign with the arrest of dozens of legislators and officials as investigations gather pace. And in Saudi Arabia, at least 14 people were killed in a Saudi Aramco helicopter crash near Ras Tanura. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident and regional leaders have offered their condolences. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

    3 min
  2. World Cup round-up: Canada make history, Morocco to face the Netherlands and Egypt's injury concerns

    15 hr ago

    World Cup round-up: Canada make history, Morocco to face the Netherlands and Egypt's injury concerns

    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 the tournament. Morocco face the Netherlands tomorrow at 5am in Monterrey, 32 years after the two teams first met in a World Cup. Several Morocco players, including Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat and Anass Salah-Eddine, were born and raised in the Netherlands, adding another dimension to an already compelling tie. The winner will face Canada in Houston. Egypt are preparing for their round of 32 match against Australia with injury concerns. Mohamed Salah is being treated for a muscle strain, Ahmed Fattouh is a major doubt with a hamstring tear, and Mohamed Abdelmonem is being assessed with a bruised ankle. Algeria are also through after a 3-3 draw with Austria, with Riyad Mahrez scoring in stoppage time before Austria's late equaliser sent both teams through. Algeria face Switzerland next. Tonight, Brazil face Japan at 9pm and Germany face Paraguay at 12.30am. Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

    4 min

  3. 3 days ago

    Strait of Hormuz evacuations halted, Gulf states cautious on Iran and Abu Dhabi unveils performing arts centre

    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 expected to begin reconciliation talks with Iran any time soon. Diplomats tell The National that rebuilding trust after the conflict will take time, despite US efforts to reassure regional allies. Lebanon and Israel extend their latest round of US-mediated negotiations, but significant disagreements remain over Israeli troop withdrawals, proposed pilot zones and future security arrangements in southern Lebanon. In the UAE, officials unveil Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi, a Frank Gehry-designed performing arts centre scheduled to open on Saadiyat Island in 2030 as part of the emirate’s long-term cultural strategy. And the Emirates expands its visa-on-arrival programme to six more countries, a move aimed at boosting tourism, strengthening economic ties and making travel to the country easier. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

    3 min
  4. World Cup round-up: Ecuador stun Germany, Morocco set to face Dutch and Saudi Arabia and Egypt in action

    3 days ago

    World Cup round-up: Ecuador stun Germany, Morocco set to face Dutch and Saudi Arabia and Egypt in action

    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 setting the tone. Tunisia finish with three defeats, 12 goals conceded and the worst defensive record of any team at the tournament. Japan and Sweden both progressed from the same group after drawing 1-1. In Group E, Ivory Coast reached the knockouts for the first time in their history with a 2-0 win over Curacao, and Australia secured second place in Group D with a goalless draw against Paraguay. Morocco now know their last 32 opponent. They face the Netherlands in Monterrey, Mexico, on Monday in one of the most culturally charged ties of the round, with about 433,000 people of Moroccan descent living in the Netherlands. Early tomorrow, Saudi Arabia face Cape Verde in Houston in a must-win match. Victory keeps the Saudi players alive for the last 32, though they would also need Uruguay to fail to beat Spain. Iraq face Senegal in Toronto tonight, with both teams still without a point. Egypt then face Iran in Seattle, with Mohamed Salah's side able to secure top spot in Group G. Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

    5 min

  5. 4 days ago

    Hormuz at centre of Gulf talks, Trump defends Iran deal and Lebanon stalemate continues

    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 to the key American demands in negotiations on a permanent peace agreement, but the deal is coming under growing scrutiny. Republican legislators are questioning the administration’s approach, while a new poll suggests most Americans remain unconvinced the conflict was worth fighting or that the agreement will ultimately succeed. Lebanon says it is awaiting Israeli approval for the first phase of a military withdrawal from the south under a US-backed process, although the sides remain divided over the future of the border area and Hezbollah. In Gaza, residents tell The National that Israeli military surveillance cranes mounted with automatic machineguns overlooking the territory have transformed daily life, with many avoiding open spaces despite the ceasefire. And in the UAE, Abu Dhabi approves the Bab Gas Cap project, the world's largest development of its kind, as Adnoc and international partners move forward with plans to boost gas production and strengthen the country's path towards gas self-sufficiency. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

    3 min
  6. World Cup round-up: Morocco through, Qatar eliminated and Tunisia face the Netherlands tonight

    4 days ago

    World Cup round-up: Morocco through, Qatar eliminated and Tunisia face the Netherlands tonight

    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. Qatar are out after a 3-1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, finishing bottom of Group B with one point. Fifa also confirmed a five-match ban for Qatar's Assim Madibo for the tackle that broke Ismael Kone's leg against Canada. The decision has sparked debate about whether the punishment reflected intent or outcome. Canada qualified but lost top spot to Switzerland after losing 2-1 to the Swiss. Mexico completed a perfect group stage with three wins and no goals conceded, while South Africa reached the knockouts for the first time in their history. Tonight, six matches across three groups kick off simultaneously. In Group E at midnight, Germany face Ecuador while Curaçao play Ivory Coast, with both Ecuador and Curaçao needing wins to stay alive. In Group F at 3am, Tunisia face the Netherlands while Japan play Sweden. In Group D at 6am, Paraguay and Australia meet with second place on the line behind the already-qualified United States.

    5 min

  7. 5 days ago

    Rubio's Gulf tour, Emirates A380 inspections and Etihad Rail passenger launch

    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 secured the release of $12 billion in frozen assets under the interim agreement with the US, although Washington has yet to confirm the claim. The announcement comes as a temporary sanctions waiver allows Tehran to resume oil exports while negotiations continue. We also look at the latest US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel, where major disagreements remain over Hezbollah, Israeli troop withdrawals and the future of southern Lebanon. In aviation, Emirates begins urgent inspections of part of its Airbus A380 fleet after European regulators order checks following the discovery of cracks in key wing structures. And Etihad Rail prepares to launch its first passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah next week, with opening-day tickets selling out quickly ahead of a major milestone for the UAE's national rail network. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

    3 min
  8. Ronaldo scores at sixth finals, Ghana hold England and Qatar face last chance tonight

    5 days ago

    Ronaldo scores at sixth finals, Ghana hold England and Qatar face last chance tonight

    Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at six different World Cups, netting twice as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston. He had gone 10 major tournament matches without a goal before scoring twice in one night. Portugal now have four points in Group K, with Colombia top on six after beating DR Congo 1-0 to seal their place in the last 32. England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana, with no shots on target in the first half and refereeing controversy in the second. Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz was furious about two penalty appeals that were waved away, while Harry Kane fired over from eight yards to spurn England's best chance. Both teams have four points going into their final group matches. Croatia kept their campaign alive with a 1-0 win over Panama as Luka Modric won his 200th cap. Panama are out. Tonight, Qatar face Bosnia at 11pm in a must-win match to stay in the tournament. Morocco face Haiti at 2am needing a result to qualify from Group C, but they will have an eye on Brazil's match against Scotland, which kick offs simultaneously. First place in Group B is also on the line, with Canada and Switzerland level on four points. Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

    5 min
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