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We bring you the top news stories, field reports and in-depth insights from the Middle East and beyond
Episodes
Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
Iran says it has opened “indirect” communications with the new regime in Syria. Israeli protesters are attempting to block aid deliveries to Gaza through the Karam Abu Salem crossing. US President Donald Trump has selected a design for America's Golden Dome missile defence shield.
On this episode of Trending Middle East:
Iran talking 'indirectly' to new Syrian regime
Israeli civilians try to stop aid lorries from entering Gaza
Donald Trump announces plan to introduce 'Golden Dome' air defence system in less than three years
This episode features Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent; and Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter.
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
The UK announced sanctions against prominent settlers in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday. The European Union announced on Tuesday it would begin lifting sanctions on Syria. The UN's leading humanitarian affairs official has warned that 14,000 babies in Gaza are at risk of death.
On this episode of Trending Middle East:
EU begins lifting sanctions on Syria
UK ends Israel trade talks after 'indefensible' new Gaza offensive
Israel steps up row with UK, France and Canada after sanctions threats over Gaza war
Thousands of babies in Gaza could die within 48 hours without aid, UN official warns
This episode features Thomas Harding, Security and Policy Editor; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent.
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Aid is once again entering Gaza but with Israeli-imposed limitations. Syrian security troops have begun operations to “eradicate” ISIS from urban centres. Egypt has repatriated ancient artefacts from Australia.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Netanyahu says Israel will control all of Gaza while allowing 'minimal' aid
Syria cracks down on ISIS as authorities seek closer US ties
Australia and US return ancient artefacts to Egypt as repatriation campaign gathers pace
This episode features Kamal Tabikha, Cairo Correspondent, and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent.
Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
Gaza ceasefire talks are continuing in Qatar. The Prime Minister of Libya's UN-backed government has told armed groups to "stand with the state”. Armed groups in Syria who have not joined state ranks have been given 10 days to do so.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Gaza talks focus on plan for 70-day truce and the release of up to nine hostages
'Stand with the state', Libya Prime Minister tells armed groups after clashes
Syria's remaining armed rebel groups given 10 days to join state forces
This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.
Friday May 16, 2025
Friday May 16, 2025
Donald Trump is wrapping his visit in the UAE today; he arrived in Abu Dhabi yesterday, becoming the second serving US president to visit the country. Turkish-hosted talks to end the conflict in Ukraine appeared uncertain on Thursday. Israel's army stepped up attacks on Gaza.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Sheikh Mohamed vows to work with Trump on advancing peace
US President Donald Trump visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Mohamed bestows Trump with Order of Zayed
Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disrespect' as peace talks stall
'We were expecting a ceasefire': More than 100 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza, civil defence says
This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent.
Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
Qatar and Boeing on Wednesday struck a deal for what US President Donald Trump called the largest order of jets in the history of the planemaker. GCC leaders told Mr Trump that a Palestinian state is central to stability in the Middle East, while Syrians have reacted to the lifting of US sanctions. Mr Trump will continue his Gulf tour in the UAE today.
On this episode of Trending Middle East:
Boeing secures $200bn jet order from Qatar Airways that Trump says is 'largest'
Qatari Emir says Donald Trump visit a chance to 'bring peace to the region'
'There is hope': Trump's Syria pledge marks shift in US foreign policy
Landmark meeting between Trump and Al Shara boosts new order in Syria
UAE and US working to announce AI and tech partnership during Trump visit
This episode features Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor; Mohamed Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Cody Combs, Technology Policy Editor.
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
US President Donald Trump rounded out his first day in Saudi Arabia with a strong commitment to Saudi-US relations as the Gulf country has committed to investing $600 billion in the US, including the "largest defence sales agreement in history”.
During his address at the US-Saudi Investment Forum, Mr Trump also announced that he would order the cessation of sanctions against Syria.
Qatar is preparing to receive Mr Trump later today on the second stop of his Gulf visit.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Saudi Arabia to invest $600bn in the US as countries sign 'largest defence deal in history'
Donald Trump orders cessation of US sanctions on Syria
Trump says it would be 'stupid' not to take gift of plane from Qatar
This episode features Manus Cranny, Geo-Economics Editor, Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor and Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor.
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
US President Donald Trump's trip to the Gulf kicks off with his arrival in Saudi Arabia today. The US and China have agreed to lower tariffs for 90 days as the world's two largest economies continue discussions. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announced it will disband and dissolve as part of a peace process with Turkey.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
AI, energy and data centres: How the UAE has approached Trump's second term
US and China agree to lower tariffs for 90 days
PKK agrees to disband as part of peace process with Turkey
‘Laying down arms is last stage’: PKK sets conditions for implementation of peace deal with Turkey
This episode features Manus Cranny, Geoeconomics Editor; Aarti Nagraj, Assistant Business Editor; and Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent.
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
Editor's note: This text has been updated to reflect US President Donald Trump's schedule; he is expected to arrive in Riyadh on 13 May.
US President Donald Trump sets off to the Gulf today. Flights between the UAE and Pakistan resumed at the weekend. There has been a sharp increase in settler violence across the occupied West Bank since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
White House says Trump's Gulf trip to usher in 'golden age' in US-Middle East relations
Trump returns to a changed Gulf: How the region has evolved since 2017
India and Pakistan trade accusations of breaking ceasefire
India-Pakistan ceasefire: Passengers hopeful flights will operate as Islamabad reopens air space
Palestinians and Israeli activists hit by increasing settler attacks in Jordan Valley
This episode features Jihan Abdalla, Senior Correspondent and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent.
Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
Israeli forces stormed and shut down schools in occupied East Jerusalem run by the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees. Pakistan says its forces killed "40 to 50 Indian soldiers" along the de facto border in the disputed Kashmir region. Dubai's Emirates airline has posted some of the biggest profits in its history.
Israeli forces storm six UNRWA schools in Jerusalem
Emirates posts record $5.2 billion annual profit on bumper travel demand
Pakistan claims to have killed '40 to 50 Indian soldiers'
This episode features Taniya Dutta, contributor; and Shweta Jain, Assistant Business Editor.