Trending Middle East

US strikes Yemen and Israel prepares to resume ceasefire talks

Iran warns of a decisive response to any attacks after threats made by US President Donald Trump, in the aftermath of military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed a negotiating team to prepare for the continuation of Gaza ceasefire talks. The Palestinian-Israeli documentary No Other Land has secured a Dubai-based distributor after its historic win at the Oscars this year.

This episode features Senior Foreign Reporter Mina Aldroubi and Features Writer Saeed Saeed.

Iran talks in China and Syria's constitutional declaration

Iran meets its allies Russia and China in Beijing on Friday for nuclear talks. Syria's interim President Ahmed Al Sharaa has signed a new constitutional declaration outlining plans for transitional government and justice in the country. A UN inquiry has determined that Israeli attacks on Gaza fertility centres are genocidal.

This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis.

Rising tension over Tehran's nuclear programme and Lebanon-Israel border row

Renewed tension over Tehran’s nuclear programme has raised fears that Israel may strike Iranian atomic facilities this year. Israel and Lebanon have agreed to hold negotiations to settle border disputes and release more Lebanese detainees. Hamas has said it is waiting for next steps from talks in Doha for implementing the second phase of a ceasefire with Israel.

 

This episode features Bob Tollast, Mohamad Ali Harisi and Amr Mostafa.

US-Ukraine talks in Jeddah and Syria's breakthrough deal with SDF

Ukrainian and US officials are holding three days of discussions in Jeddah in an effort to end the war with Russia. A deal signed by Syria’s interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces has been welcomed by Arab countries. Negotiations over a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Doha.

This episode features Taylor Heyman, Assistant Foreign Editor and Jerusalem Correspondent Thomas Helm.

Israel-Gaza ceasefire in flux and Syrians flee to Lebanon

Delayed talks for the second phase of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire remain in flux. Ten thousand members of the Alawite community have crossed into Lebanon over the past five days to escape the sectarian violence in Syria. Iran is sending mixed signals about the possibility of renegotiating a nuclear deal.

This episode features Sara Ruthven, Deputy Washington Bureau Chief.

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.