Trending Middle East

UN sanctions Iran, and Israeli retaliation

The UN has hit Iran with sanctions for the first time in decades. Israel could retaliate against allies who recognised Palestine. A top UN diplomat says the prospects for peace are closer now than ever.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

UN sanctions on Iran to add inflationary pressure as currency crisis deepens

How Israel could retaliate against allies who recognised Palestine

Gaza ceasefire closer than a week ago, says top UN humanitarian diplomat Tom Fletcher

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent, and Hadley Gamble, IMI Chief International Anchor.

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Abbas at UNGA, and the deadliest place for journalists

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas speaks at the UN. The National investigates killings of journalists in Gaza. Donald Trump is expected to meet Ahmad Al Shara.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

'Palestine is ours,' says Abbas as he condemns Israel and Hamas in UN speech

How (and why) Gaza has become the deadliest place in the world for journalists

Donald Trump to meet Syria's Ahmad Al Shara, official says

This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; Fadah Jassem, Head of Data Visualisation; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

'Palestine is ours,' says Abbas as he condemns Israel and Hamas in UN speech

How (and why) Gaza has become the deadliest place in the world for journalists

Donald Trump to meet Syria's Ahmad Al Shara, official says

This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; Fadah Jassem, Head of Data Visualisation; 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.

SDF under pressure, and what comes after Palestine recognition

There is growing pressure on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in Aleppo. The war in Gaza continues after a series of countries recognised the state of Palestine. Israel blames migration to Europe for an increase in criticism.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Syria’s Al Shara warns of regional turmoil without Israel security deal

The question of Palestine: Is recognition the answer?

Isolated Israel blames Muslims for shifting Europe's stance on Gaza

This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; 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.

Trump's provocative UNGA speech and Israel closes West Bank crossing

US President Donald Trump delivered an extraordinary attack on the UN during his address to the General Assembly. Iran and European powers engage in a last-ditch effort to avoid the reimposition of UN sanctions.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Trump lambasts friend and foe alike in UN address

Iran and European powers to hold talks in New York in bid to avoid restart of sanctions

Israel shuts crossing between West Bank and Jordan after deadly shooting

This episode features 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.

 

Palestine recognition at UNGA, and US envoy says peace an 'illusion'

France has joined a list of countries newly recognising the state of Palestine. Syria's president called for a new chapter in ties with Washington. US special envoy Tom Barrack has said Middle East peace is an illusion.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

UNGA 2025 live: France recognises Palestine at landmark UN meeting

Peace in the Middle East is an illusion, says Trump envoy Tom Barrack

Syria's Al Shara calls for new chapter in US ties as he meets former battlefield foe

This episode features Fatima Al Mahmoud, Foreign Affairs Reporter; and Hadley Gamble, IMI Chief International Anchor.

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

UN high-level talks begin, and Israel pushes on in Gaza

The UN General Assembly high-level talks kick off today in New York. Syria's Druze leadership has invited UN investigators to probe violence in Sweida. Israel's latest offensive in Gaza has added to the burden on the remaining hospitals.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

France and nine other states to recognise Palestinian statehood as landmark UN conference looms

Syrian President Al Shara's consolidation drive faces Kurdish and Druze resistance

This episode features Adla Massoud, UN and New York Correspondent.

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

Syria-Israel talks, and Trump disagrees with Starmer on Palestine

Syria’s talks with Israel could result in something tangible soon. Donald Trump is in disagreement with the Keir Starmer on recognising Palestine. The closure of Carrefour stores across the Middle East could be down to a number of factors.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Syria's Ahmad Al Shara says Israel talks could bring results 'in coming days'

Trump 'disagrees' with Starmer on Palestine recognition plan

No immediate plan to close UAE's Carrefour supermarkets, Majid Al Futtaim says

This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; and Aarti Nagraj, Deputy Business Editor.

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

Egypt preps military, and Iraqi weapons sovereignty

Egypt is shoring up security in the Sinai and mobilizing its forces. State control of weapons is a top priority for Iraq. A US-brokered deal brings relative peace to Sweida.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

State monopoly over weapons a top priority, Iraqi PM says

Egypt seeks US guarantees that Israel will not attack exiled Hamas leaders again

Sweida tensions subside but troops remain after US-brokered deal in Syria

This episode features Hadya Al Alawi, Assistant Foreign Editor; and Nada Maucourant Atallah, 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.

UN inquiry finds genocide in Gaza, and Trump in the UK

Independent experts commissioned by the UN have concluded Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Lebanon marks one year since the so-called pager attacks on Hezbollah by Israel. US President Donald Trump has started his state visit to the UK.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Explained: The four acts of genocide Israel is accused of committing in Gaza

Pager attack: Hezbollah fighters blinded by explosions

Britain rolls out peak pageantry for Trump state visit

This episode features Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent; and Paul Carey, London Deputy Bureau Chief.

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

Arab, Islamic states condemn Israel, and talks on Nato-style alliance

Qatar has accused Israel of lying and making Gaza unliveable. Arab nations consider a proposal to establish a joint military force. Lebanese authorities foil a drug-smuggling plot.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Qatar summit condemns Israel's 'aggressive practices' as threat to Middle East peace

Israel's attack on Qatar is part of 'strategy of expansionist ideology', says Palestinian minister

Arab states consider revival of plan to create Nato-style military force

Lebanon thwarts attempt to smuggle millions of Captagon pills to Saudi Arabia

This episode features Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; 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.