Trending Middle East

OPEC's new forecast and Syria-SDF tensions

Opec raised its forecast for world oil and energy demand. The Syrian government has accused the SDF of delays in implementing an integration deal. Saudi Arabia is updating its rules to allow foreigners to buy property in specific zones.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Opec raises 2050 oil demand outlook amid expansion of global economies

Relax, it’s ‘chill, baby, chill’: Opec assures inventories stay tight

Syria blames US-backed Kurds for instability after failed meeting

Saudi foreign property ownership rules will be 'transformational' for long-term expats

This episode features Manus Cranny, Geo-Economics Editor; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent.

 

Israel's AI targeting system and Hezbollah's disarming conditions

Many in Gaza believe there is an unseen, pervasive AI presence that is watching, listening and waiting for those on its target list to show their faces. Lebanon is considering a road map to disarm Hezbollah. Hamas on Wednesday said Gaza ceasefire talks with Israel in Doha were progressing due to US President Donald Trump's involvement in the process.

Data-driven deaths: How Israel's AI war machine pinpoints Palestinian victims

Hamas credits Trump for progress in Gaza ceasefire talks

This episode features Damien McElroy, London bureau chief; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent.

Gaza 'concentration camps' and Red Sea attacks

Forced displacement of Palestinians is back in the spotlight. The Houthi rebels in Yemen have stepped up their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) will begin the process of disarming with a ceremony this week.

On this episode of Trending Middle East:

Backlash grows over Israel’s proposal for prison-like city in Gaza

Houthis’ tactical upgrade in Red Sea attacks and what it means

PKK expected to destroy weapons at disarmament ceremony this week

This episode features Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Chris Maxwell, Deputy National Editor.

Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

US 'satisfied' with Lebanese response to Hezbollah disarmament proposal, and Israel-Houthi crossfire

US special envoy Thomas Barrack said he was satisfied with Lebanon’s response to a US call for Hezbollah to disarm. Yemen's Houthi rebels said they retaliated after an Israeli strike. Brics leaders condemned US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

US envoy 'unbelievably satisfied' with Lebanese response to proposal on Hezbollah disarmament

Israel strikes Yemen ports after ship attack by Houthis in Red Sea

Brics leaders condemn attacks on Iran and tell Israel to leave Gaza

This episode features Nada Homsi, Lebanon Correspondent; and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent.

Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

 

Gaza ceasefire negotiations and Hezbollah faces pressure

Parties are back at the negotiating table for a potential ceasefire in Gaza. Hezbollah is reviewing a US proposal urging the group to disarm within a few months. Lebanon marked Ashura for the first time since Hezbollah lost significant power.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Crucial Gaza ceasefire talks resume in Doha ahead of Netanyahu's US visit

Hezbollah 'divided' over whether to scale back its arsenal amid US pressure to disarm

Lebanon's Shiite Muslims mark Ashura amid calls for Hezbollah to disarm and security threats

This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent.

Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Damascus hunts down Assad loyalists, and US contractors admit to live fire at aid sites

Authorities in Damascus are capturing high-profile figures from Syria’s former Assad regime.

US contractors guarding aid distribution sites in Gaza are firing live ammunition and stun grenades at Palestinians rushing to get food near the deadly distribution centres.

And business activity in the UAE's non-oil private sector grew in June but was hindered by the Iran-Israel war.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

US contractors guarding Gaza aid sites admit to firing live ammunition at hungry Palestinians

UAE non-oil private sector grew in June but Israel-Iran war weighs on demand

This episode features Jihan Abdallah, Senior Correspondent; Deena Kamel, Senior Business Reporter — Aviation; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent.

Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Iran suspends co-operation with UN nuclear watchdog, and Israel close to finalising ceasefire

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has approved a law suspending co-operation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog. US President Donald Trump said Israel has taken a significant step towards finalising a ceasefire in Gaza. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party could begin disarming within days.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Trump says Israel has agreed on conditions to finalise 60-day Gaza ceasefire

IAEA in dark as Iran's president approves law to sideline agency

PKK disarmament could begin in days, Turkey confirms

This episode features Senior Foreign Reporter Mina Aldroubi, Cairo Correspondent Hamza Hendawi and Turkey Correspondent Lizzie Porter.

Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Disappearances of Alawite women, and a 'terrorist cell' in Beirut

Criminal gangs are thought to be behind the disappearance of a growing number of Alawite women in Syria. Members of what has been described as a terrorist cell were arrested in Beirut. Hamas officials have said the group is positively engaging with mediators for a ceasefire.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

'Get the money fast if you want her alive': Syria's Alawite women and girls disappear in abductions

Beirut 'terrorist cell' plotted day of attacks mirroring shock of Israel’s pager assault, security sources say

Hamas says it is 'positively engaging' but fate of Gaza ceasefire lies in US-Israel talks

This episode features Nada Maucourant Atallah, Beirut Correspondent; and Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor.

Lebanon pressured to disarm Hezbollah, and crackdowns in West Bank

Lebanon is facing pressure from the US to disarm Hezbollah as soon as possible. Israel’s security service has clamped down on what it says is a network of Hamas militants in the occupied West Bank. Abu Dhabi’s population has crossed four million for the first time.

This episode features foreign editor Mohamad Ali Harisi, Jerusalem correspondent Thomas Helm, and assistant features editor Evelyn Lau.

Israel strikes Lebanon and Trump says Gaza ceasefire close

Israeli strikes killed several people in southern Lebanon. US President Donald Trump said a Gaza ceasefire could be close. The UAE welcomed the signing of a peace deal between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Israeli air strikes kill three in south Lebanon despite ceasefire

Gaza ceasefire talks intensify as Trump suggests a deal may be within reach

Trump says ceasefire in Gaza possible within 'next week'

This episode features Mina Aldroubi, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.