Trending Middle East

Iran's 'undeclared' nuclear sites and Israel-backed groups in Gaza

The UN’s nuclear watchdog has accused Iran of concealing three nuclear sites in the early 2000s. There’s new fighting in Gaza, now between Hamas and an Israel-backed gang in the south of the strip. A Lebanese official has denied reports that Israel and the United States have agreed to end Unifil.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Iran operated three secret nuclear sites until early 2000s, UN watchdog says

Lebanon denies reports of US-Israel deal to withdraw UN peacekeepers

Daily killings as Hamas and Israel-backed gang engage in battle of attrition in Gaza

Who are the activists on board the aid yacht intercepted by Israel?

This episode features Lemma Shehadi, Senior Communities Correspondent, UK bureau, and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent.

Gaza aid points to reopen, and Israeli draft dispute threatens to collapse government

Aid distribution points run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation are set to reopen today following a temporary closure. There’s a new rift in Israel that’s threatening to collapse the government. Iran is rejecting a recent nuclear deal proposal from the Trump administration.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Gaza aid sites run by US and Israel-backed group closed after bloodshed

Iran's supreme leader rejects US proposal and vows to continue enrichment

Trump rules out 'any' uranium enrichment under Iran nuclear deal

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent.

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Syria builds national army and Hajj begins today

There has been more deadly violence near an aid distribution site in Gaza. Syria has recruited half of its planned national army. The Hajj pilgrimage begins today.

On this morning's episode of Trending Middle East:

At least 27 killed and 90 injured near Gaza aid distribution centre in Rafah

UN calls for investigation into Palestinian deaths near Gaza aid site as Israel pushes back

Syria has recruited half of planned 200,000-strong army, military sources say

Under pressure, Kurdish militia resumes integration talks with Damascus

Mapping the global gathering of Hajj

This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent, and Ali Al Shouk, senior news reporter.

Hamas ready to negotiate and Iran, Egypt talk nuclear

Hamas says it’s ready to begin indirect talks on “points of contention” in a US ceasefire proposal. Iran and Egypt are in talks in Cairo. Emirates airline will resume flights to Damascus next month.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Iran makes nuclear peace pledge in 'fruitful' talks with Egypt and IAEA

Hamas says it is ready for indirect Gaza truce talks to resolve 'points of contention' in US proposal

Emirates to resume flights to Damascus from July

This episode features Aveen Karim, Assistant Foreign Editor; and Kamal Tabikha, Cairo Correspondent.

 

Gaza aid site shooting and Iran-US nuclear talks

Aid handouts in Gaza are under new scrutiny after a deadly shooting. The US has sent Iran a proposal for a nuclear deal. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are offering financial support to state employees in Syria.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

'This is an ambush': Gazans walk into gunfire at US-backed food banks

Iran's Araghchi says nuclear programme within framework of agreements in call with IAEA chief

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister pledges financial support for Syria state staff

This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo correspondent; and Mina AlDroubi, senior foreign reporter.

Israel approves more settlements and Saudi Arabia tightens Hajj security

Israel has approved 22 more settlements in the occupied West Bank. Authorities in Saudi Arabia are making arrests for abetting unauthorised pilgrimages this Hajj season. Syria has signed billions of dollars worth of energy deals with international companies led by the Qatari UCC Holding.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Israel approves 22 West Bank settlements in major blow to prospect of Palestinian state

Saudi Arabia arrests 26 people for transporting illegal Hajj pilgrims

Syria signs $7bn Qatari-led deal to double power supply

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent, and Nada Maucourant Atallah, Beirut Correspondent.

 

Israel strikes Yemen, and Piers Morgan on Gaza

Israel launched strikes on Yemen on Wednesday, a day after Houthi militants fired several missiles towards it. Pro-government militias have killed six people in an attack on a tribal farming community in Syria. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow international journalists into Gaza, and Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam says normalisation with Israel is conditional.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Sanaa airport runway in flames after Israeli strike

Six killed in attack by pro-government militias on tribal area in Syria's north-east

Piers Morgan urges Benjamin Netanyahu to let journalists into Gaza to ‘establish the truth’

This episode features Jerusalem Correspondent Thomas Helm, Jordan Correspondent Khaled Yacoub Oweis and Foreign Editor Mohamad Ali Harisi.

 

Controversial aid group begins deliveries in Gaza and ceasefire talks falter

The US-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said it started distributing aid. Iraq's Oil Ministry is suing the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Negotiations in Cairo and Doha for a Gaza ceasefire are "not leading" to a deal yet.

On this episode of Trending Middle East:

US-backed Gaza aid foundation is distraction from what is really needed, UN says

Head of US-Israeli aid agency for Gaza resigns over lack of 'humanitarian principles'

Gaza ceasefire talks not leading to a deal yet, source says

Iraqi Oil Ministry files lawsuit against Kurdish region over unilaterally signed energy deals

This episode features Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent; and Sinan Mahmoud, Baghdad Correspondent.

Syria plans to reshape economy, and Jerusalem Day sparks Israeli violence

Syria is about to overhaul its financial system. Palestinian residents, activists and journalists were the targets of attacks by extremist Israelis in Jerusalem yesterday. Nuclear talks between the US and Iran appear to have reached a stalemate, but are expected to continue.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Golden window: Syria to overhaul financial system after sanctions relief, says central bank chief

Palestinians brace for show of Israeli ultranationalism on Jerusalem Day

Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir breaches Al Aqsa Mosque compound on 'Jerusalem Day'

Iran 'won't die of hunger' if US nuclear talks fail, President says

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent; Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Hadya AlAlawi, Assistant Foreign Editor.

South Lebanon votes and UNRWA calls for aid deliveries

Voters in southern Lebanon cast their ballots on Saturday in municipal elections. UNRWA said that at least 500-600 aid lorries are needed every day in Gaza. An Iraqi filmmaker made history with a win at the Cannes Film Festival over the weekend.

On this episode of Trending Middle East:

South Lebanon voters defy Israeli bombings to vote in region’s first elections for years

First Iraqi director at Cannes wins top prize with The President's Cake

Gaza aid looting being carried out by 'desperate' people, UNRWA says

This episode features Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent.