Trending Middle East

Clashes in Syria and US cancels Iraq sanctions waiver

More than 1,000 people have been killed in a wave of clashes between security forces and groups linked to former President Bashar Al Assad. The US has refused to renew a 120-day sanctions waiver for Iraq’s energy imports from Iran. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia today.

 

 

This episode features Mina Aldroubi and Nada Maucourant Atallah.

US engaged in talks with Hamas and UK lifts sanctions on Syria

The National has learnt US officials held several rounds of direct talks with Hamas leaders in Qatar in January. The UK government has lifted dozens of sanctions on Syria. The EU's 27 leaders met in Brussels on Thursday for emergency talks on boosting defence spending.

 

This episode features Hamza Hendawi and Sunniva Rose.

Reactions to Gaza plan and Trump's vision for the Middle East

Reactions to the Arab League’s new plan on Gaza have been pouring in since it was announced late on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump has promised a more “peaceful and prosperous” future for the Middle East. Syria and Lebanon are seeking to enhance their relations with Arab nations.

 

This episode features Assistant Foreign Editor Hadya Al Alawi, US Correspondent Ellie Sennett and Arab Affairs Editor Vanessa Ghanem.

Arab states endorse Egypt's plan for post-war Gaza, and Israel strikes Syria

Arab leaders presented a unified plan on Gaza following a summit in Cairo on Tuesday. Israel has launched strikes near Syria’s Tartous. Saudi Arabia is lowering salary raises amid an influx of talent.

 

 

This episode features Kamal Tabikha, Khaled Yacoub Oweis and Deepthi Nair.

Arab Summit in Cairo and Palestinian Oscars win

An Arab summit on Gaza is taking place on Tuesday in Cairo. Reactions from the Middle East continue to pour in after Palestinian-Israeli film No Other Land won Best Documentary at the 2025 Academy Awards. Iran's vice president for strategic affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif announced his resignation on Monday.

 

 

This episode features Hamza Hendawi, foreign correspondent for The National.

Israel blocks Gaza aid and Druze-HTS clashes in Syria

Israel has suspended the entry of all goods and supplies into Gaza. Israel has also vowed to defend Syria's Druze community. Meanwhile, European leaders gathered in London for a crucial summit on Ukraine.

 

 

This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis.

PKK leader Ocalan calls for group to disband and Nvidia beats revenue forecasts

The leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, Abdullah Ocalan made a historic call for the group to lay down arms and disband. Meanwhile, escalating violence in Jenin and Tulkarm has displaced 40,000 Palestinians, recalling decades-old military operations and adding to Gaza's destruction, with more than 48,000 dead.

 

This episode features Robert Tollast, military affairs reporter and Greg Tanner, head of multimedia.

UN's humanitarian chief on international need, and Syria's mines threat

The leading UN humanitarian official, Tom Fletcher, says the body is overstretched and underfunded when it comes to supporting the roughly 300 million people in need around the world. Mines left over from more than a decade of armed conflict in Syria are threatening civilians trying to return to their homes. A Syrian shipping tycoon is controlling maritime and property businesses in Greece despite being sanctioned by the US for his alleged dealing with the Houthis and Hezbollah.

Listen to this morning's episode on Trending Middle East.

 

 

This episode features Lizzie Porter and Tariq Tahir.

Al Shara warns armed groups in Syria and Egypt sees a way forward after Gaza war

Syria's leader Ahmad Al Shara said on Tuesday that the country must unite around a state that has a “monopoly” on weapons. The former capital of the ISIS caliphate in Syria is facing an uncertain future, much like the rest of the country. After over a year of political and economic challenges, Egypt has had some recent diplomatic wins that could set it on the right track.

Listen to these stories on today's episode of Trending Middle East.

 

This episode features Nada Maucourant Atallah and Kamal Tabikha.

Syrian National Dialogue and President Sheikh Mohamed in Italy

The main session of the Syrian National Dialogue is set to take place today, while President Sheikh Mohamed says the UAE is "keen to push forward" relations with Italy. This week also marks the third anniversary of the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.

 

This episode features Jordan correspondent Khaled Yacoub Oweis and Assistant News Editor Patrick Ryan.