Trending Middle East

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.

Iran's conditions for US talks, and nuclear damage

Iran has made its conditions for a return to nuclear talks clear. Conflicting reports blur the scope of damage to Iran’s nuclear assets. The World Bank is extending about $400 million to Lebanon and Syria.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

How Iran views a return to nuclear talks

Donald Trump announces new talks with Iran as hopes rise for Gaza truce

War of words rages over Iran nuclear damage reports

World Bank allocates $400m for war-devastated Lebanon and Syria reconstruction

This episode features Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent; Sarmad Khan, Assistant Business Editor; and Thomas Harding, Security and Policy Editor.

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US and Iran to hold talks and Israeli troops killed in Gaza

A new militant group claims responsibility for a Damascus church attack.

US President Donald Trump says Iran and the US will talk next week.

Seven Israeli soldiers have been killed in recent fighting in Gaza.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

How Iran views a return to nuclear talks

Seven Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza as Palestinian death toll mounts

Newly-emerged militants claim responsibility for Damascus church attack

This episode features Mina Aldroubi, Senior Foreign Reporter.

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

Iran and Israel's tense ceasefire and aid site violence in Gaza

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran proved fragile just minutes after it took effect. Violence continues to plague aid distribution in Gaza. Today is the second day of the NATO summit.

On today’s episode of Trending Middle East:

Israel ponders next move in Gaza after Iran ceasefire

Qatar reveals it helped broker Iran ceasefire

Hungry Gazans killed while waiting for food as NGOs warn US-Israel aid group of war crime complicity

Trump's focus on the Middle East could translate to less US involvement in Nato

This episode features Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor; and Sunniva Rose, Europe 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 attacks US airbase in Qatar, and church bombing in Syria

Iran launched missiles at the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar. An attack on a church in Syria has left the Christian community reeling. Egypt is facing unique implications of a dominant Israel in the case of Iran’s defeat in the conflict.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Egypt faces prospect of Iran defeat further empowering Israel in region

US attack on Iran could spark 'rat hole of retaliation', UN Secretary General warns

Damascus church bombing threatens political gains of both Christians and new Syrian state

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent; Nada Atallah, Beirut Correspondent; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.

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

IAEA holds emergency meeting and Gulf countries monitor radiation

The UN’s nuclear watchdog will today hold an emergency meeting after the US launched strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran. Gulf countries and Iraq are monitoring radiation levels in the region as the conflict escalates. Meanwhile, Israel is dealing with the aftermath of retaliatory strikes from Iran.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Timeline: How Iran nuclear stand-off escalated into war

Iran vows payback for US strikes but leaves door to diplomacy open

Gulf countries and Iraq on alert for radiation levels as Israel-Iran war rages

Iran attacks Israel after US bombs nuclear facilities

Iran and Israel trade more strikes as air war enters second week

This episode features Cody Combs, Technology Policy Editor; Aarti Nagraj, Deputy Business Editor; 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.

Iran's Araghchi heads to Geneva, and Israel's secretive nuclear programme

Iran's Foreign Minister has confirmed he will travel to Geneva today. What we know about Israel's nuclear weapons programme. An Assad-era military figure seeks support from Iran.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to head to Geneva for talks with European ministers

Confusion over Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant after mixed messages from Israel on strikes

Explained: Israel's secretive nuclear weapons programme

Assad-era general asks Iran for funds to launch anti-Israel front in Syria

This episode features Mina Aldroubi, Senior Foreign Reporter; 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 'won't surrender', and ruins of Hezbollah strongholds

Iran says it won’t surrender to US threats. The National tours Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon. Algerian gang leaders are convicted over smuggling migrants into France.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Khamenei says Iran won't surrender and warns Trump of 'irreparable' damage if US joins Israel war

Algerian ringleaders of smuggling gang convicted over cramming migrants into lorries to France

Israel says no calm in Beirut until Hezbollah is disarmed

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent, 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.