Episodes

Monday Jun 02, 2025
Gaza aid site shooting and Iran-US nuclear talks
Monday Jun 02, 2025
Monday Jun 02, 2025
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.

Friday May 30, 2025
Israel approves more settlements and Saudi Arabia tightens Hajj security
Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
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.

Thursday May 29, 2025
Israel strikes Yemen, and Piers Morgan on Gaza
Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
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.

Wednesday May 28, 2025
Controversial aid group begins deliveries in Gaza and ceasefire talks falter
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
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.

Tuesday May 27, 2025
Syria plans to reshape economy, and Jerusalem Day sparks Israeli violence
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
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.

Monday May 26, 2025
South Lebanon votes and UNRWA calls for aid deliveries
Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
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.

Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday he has no interest in being re-elected. A doctor describes the horrendous state of children in Gaza. Abu Dhabi artificial intelligence company G42 has teamed up with tech giants on Stargate UAE.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Turkey's Erdogan says he has 'no interest in being re-elected'
'Skeletons draped in skin': Doctor describes the state of children in Gaza
Abu Dhabi's G42 teams up with Big Tech companies to build Stargate UAE
This episode features Alvin R Cabral, Business Reporter – Consumer and Technology; and Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent.

Thursday May 22, 2025
Iran in indirect contact with Syria and Israeli protesters block Gaza aid
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
UK sanctions West Bank settlers, and EU lifts sanctions on Syria
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
Limited aid entering Gaza, and Syria cracks down on ISIS
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.

