Trending Middle East

US launches 'self-defence' strikes, Iran set to restore internet and UAE hotels predict staycation surge

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, US forces have carried out what a Central Command spokesman described as self-defence strikes in southern Iran.

Israel’s military says it has conducted a wave of attacks across Lebanon, despite a ceasefire that has been in place since April.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the restoration of international internet access after months of restrictions across the country, although it is unclear when services will resume.

More than 1.5 million Muslims have gathered in Makkah for the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, with increased security measures put in place by Saudi authorities.

In the UAE, hotels are preparing for a surge in staycation bookings over the Eid Al Adha holiday, as the regional war continues to disrupt travel.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

US-Iran talks make progress, Syria set for first parliament meeting and UAE delivers Eid aid to Gaza

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump tells negotiators to "take their time" as a deal between America and Iran moves closer.

In Bahrain, the High Criminal Court has sentenced nine people to life in prison for collaborating with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

At least 16 people have been killed in a bomb blast on a railway track in Quetta, Pakistan. The explosion on Sunday is the latest in a series ⁠of attacks in Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan.

Syria’s parliament is set to meet for the first time since the downfall of former president Bashar Al Assad, after elections were held in areas the government recently regained from Kurdish-led fighters.

The UAE has delivered about 930 tonnes of aid to families in Gaza for Eid Al Adha, including essential supplies, food and clothing.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Mediators prepare for US-Iran talks, energy shortages grip Tehran and Dubai launches Dh1.5bn relief package

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, mediators led by Pakistan are working to narrow differences between Iran and the US before possible direct talks resume next week.

Iran could cut power to government offices as the prolonged conflict causes energy shortages.

In Helsinki, Finnish President Alexander Stubb proposes a security framework for the Middle East after the conflict that brings together rivals including Israel and Iran.

Also in the Finnish capital, the UN’s envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, says it is time for the country to move from military rule to a civilian government.

In the UAE, Dubai announces a Dh1.5 billion ($400 million) incentive package to support business and tourism hit by the Iran war.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Iran studies US proposal, GCC trade deal with UK and prisoners pardoned for Eid

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Tehran receives Washington’s latest proposal to end the war and is reviewing its terms, Iranian media has reported.

Iraq announces a new committee in co-ordination with the UAE and Saudi Arabia to investigate recent drone attacks originating from its territory.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir faced backlash from his own government after taunting detained activists from an intercepted Gaza-bound flotilla.

The GCC has struck a multibillion-dollar free-trade agreement with Britain, in a move that is expected to boost investment and help UK firms expand in Gulf markets.

And in the UAE, President Sheikh Mohamed has ordered the release of 956 prisoners ahead of Eid Al Adha.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Barakah attack dubbed 'red line', US Senate advances resolution to end Iran war and Ebola travel bans begin

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, The UAE tells a UN Security Council meeting that an attack on its Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a "red line" that constitutes a dangerous escalation.

In Washington, the US Senate has advanced a war powers resolution on Iran that would require President Donald Trump to obtain congressional authorisation to resume the military campaign beyond 60 days.

Bahrain and Jordan have imposed 30-day travel bans on visitors from central African countries due to the Ebola outbreak.

A car bomb that exploded outside a Defence Ministry building in central Damascus on Tuesday has killed one soldier and wounded several people.

In the UAE, a Dh1 billion International Space Co-operation Programme was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, to boost the country’s role in the global space sector.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Trump pauses Iran attack plans, Hormuz toll proposal unveiled and Iraq probes drone incident

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump says he delayed planned military strikes on Iran after appeals from Gulf leaders to allow more time for negotiations.

Iran has submitted a new 14-point proposal aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz through talks mediated by Pakistan.

Tehran has also unveiled plans for a new authority to manage passage through the strait using a cryptocurrency-based insurance platform, a move opposed by the US and Gulf states.

Iraq is investigating an incident in which Saudi Arabia said drones entered its airspace from Iraqi territory on Sunday.

In the UAE, authorities have launched plans to train 80,000 government employees in AI systems as part of a broader digital transformation strategy across federal services.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Barakah drone attack condemned, Trump weighs Iran options and new Gulf logistics route

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, world leaders condemn a drone attack near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant after authorities intercept two drones and report a fire outside the site’s inner perimeter.

Saudi Arabia also intercepts drones entering its airspace from Iraq, as Gulf states warn they reserve the right to respond to threats against their security.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump is expected to convene his national security team as tensions with Iran continue to rise and diplomatic and military options remain under discussion.

Great Britain deploys a new low-cost anti-drone missile system for RAF operations in the Gulf, aimed at countering Iran-linked drone attacks.

And Sharjah and Oman launch a new logistics corridor to ease trade disruption linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, while Adnoc expands pipeline capacity through Fujairah.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Modi in UAE, Trump warns Iran and Lebanon-Israel talks resume

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump suggests the US could resume military operations against Iran, even as US commanders say Tehran’s offensive capabilities have been heavily weakened.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in the UAE for talks focused on regional security, energy and the impact of the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

The UAE condemns the sinking of an Indian-flagged cargo vessel in Omani waters after a suspected drone or missile strike, as disruption to Gulf shipping continues.

In Washington, a third round of talks between Lebanon and Israel begins as the ceasefire comes under increasing pressure.

And Abu Dhabi confirms plans for Sphere Abu Dhabi, a 1.7 billion dollar entertainment venue expected to open on Yas Island at the end of 2029.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Trump-Xi talks, Gaza reconstruction concerns and UAE health breakthrough

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump begins talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with trade, Iran, energy and the Strait of Hormuz on the agenda.

We also look at rising tension in the Gulf after Iran demands the release of four suspected Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operatives detained by Kuwait after an alleged infiltration attempt.

On Gaza, the diplomat overseeing the US-backed peace process warns Hamas is strengthening its grip and obstructing reconstruction efforts as concerns grow over the future of the ceasefire.

In the UAE, authorities announce new measures to combat money laundering and terrorism financing in the gold trade, one of the country’s largest economic sectors.

And the UAE becomes the first country in the world to approve Baxfendy, a new hypertension treatment described by doctors as a major breakthrough for patients with resistant high blood pressure.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Trump’s China visit, Hormuz tensions, Gulf states tighten security measures

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump heads to Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with Iran, energy and the Strait of Hormuz expected to dominate discussions.

We also look at growing pressure around the strait, as Washington signals it is prepared to maintain a prolonged blockade, while Russia and China oppose a US-backed UN resolution targeting Iran.

Across the Gulf, authorities intensify action against alleged Iran-linked operatives, with new sanctions, arrests and terrorism listings announced in the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar says he is considering investments in Syria worth up to 18 billion dollars, as Damascus seeks to rebuild its economy after years of war and sanctions.

And a new report says trade and investment ties between the UAE and US have accelerated sharply since Mr Trump’s visit to the Emirates last year.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.