Trending Middle East

Lebanon strikes kill hundreds as ceasefire dispute deepens

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Israeli strikes across Lebanon have killed hundreds and injured more than a thousand people as the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran hangs by a thread.

We look at the growing disagreement over whether Lebanon is included in the ceasefire, with Iran insisting it is and the US and Israel saying it is not.

In the UAE, senior officials outline the country’s position following the ceasefire, emphasising sovereignty and the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

And in Abu Dhabi, researchers are developing new cancer drugs that can both target tumours and be tracked through MRI scans, offering potential advances in care.

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

US and Iran agree to two-week conditional ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz to reopen

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with negotiations set to begin on a broader deal. US President Donald Trump announced Washington will suspend its attacks, while Tehran said it will halt operations if strikes stop. Pakistan is to mediate talks between the sides in Islamabad on Friday.

We also look at what the agreement could mean for global energy supplies, as Tehran says it will allow vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz "via co-ordination with Iran's armed forces".

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, contradicting Iran's version of the agreement.
Markets have reacted to the developments, with oil prices falling and US stock futures rising on expectations that the crisis will continue to ease.

In the UAE, doctors are using AI technology to help detect heart disease, as health experts work to address one of the country’s leading causes of death.

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

Trump's deadline for Iran looms and Security Council to vote on Strait of Hormuz

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East podcast, another deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to accept a deal is drawing closer, with Washington warning of severe consequences if Tehran does not comply.

At the United Nations, the Security Council is preparing to vote on a resolution addressing Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

We also look at the growing impact on global energy flows, after Qatari LNG tankers were forced to turn back from the strait, signalling continued disruption to one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

In the UAE, authorities are preparing new support measures for the tourism sector as the conflict weighs on business activity. And we cover long-term economic policy, as the UAE extends its Emiratisation strategy to 2040.

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

Iran ceasefire talks under way as strikes on Gulf infrastructure escalate

In today’s episode of the Trending Middle East podcast, diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israeli war with Iran are gathering pace, with talks reported to be under way about a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a longer-term agreement.

But even as negotiations continue, US President Donald Trump has renewed threats of further strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

We also learn the latest statements made by diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, Dr Anwar Gargash, who says Iran’s actions will probably strengthen rather than diminish the US role in the region. He also highlights growing Israeli influence in the Gulf.

Iranian attacks have continued on key energy and infrastructure sites in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain.

There are also signs of normal activity in the UAE, with Dubai’s live events sector beginning to recover despite continuing disruption.

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

UN Security Council to vote on Hormuz crisis as attacks and disruption grow in the region

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East podcast, the UN Security Council prepares to vote on a Bahrain-backed resolution addressing Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as Gulf states push for measures to protect global shipping and maintain the flow of trade.

We also cover the latest security developments, including missile attacks on Israel claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. In Iran, US President Donald Trump says a major bridge linking Tehran and Karaj has been destroyed, indicating continued escalation and pressure on key infrastructure.

In the UAE, churches in Dubai will be closed to the public over the Easter weekend, with some moving services online as a precaution amid continuing missile and drone threats.

The conflict is also affecting education across the region, with a major UK exam board cancelling international GCSE and A-level exams in several countries, including the UAE, as schools look for alternative arrangements.

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

Trump says US close to achieving objectives in Iran

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, we look at US President Donald Trump's suggestion that Washington is close to achieving its core objectives. While he pointed to a possible end to operations, questions remain over how the conflict will conclude and what comes next.

We also look at the UAE’s response, as officials reject reports suggesting the country could take part in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force.

In London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called an international meeting to address the crisis, warning that even if the war ends, risks to global shipping will persist.

Elsewhere, Unesco, the UN's cultural organisation, has granted enhanced protection to dozens of cultural sites across Lebanon amid the conflict, while Nasa has launched Artemis II, the first crewed Moon mission in more than half a century.

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

Trump suggests new timeline for Iran war as regional attacks escalate

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, we look at signs of a shift in the trajectory of the US-Israel war on Iran, after US President Donald Trump suggested the conflict could end within weeks.

We also look at the economic impact of the conflict, as rising oil prices drive sharp increases in fuel costs across the UAE. Governments across the region, including Egypt and Jordan, have also raised fuel prices in response to global market strain.

Finally, we cover the latest escalation in regional attacks, with missile launches from Yemen’s Houthi rebels against southern Israel, and reported Iranian strikes hitting infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain. 

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

Ceasefire to begin in Gaza, hostages release timeline announced

A ceasefire in Gaza is set to begin as the Israeli cabinet in the early hours of Friday voted to accept the framework of the plan for the release of all hostages.

With the agreement coming into effect, Israel’s military has 24 hours to move to a pre-determined line within Gaza, after which a 72-hour period begins in which Hamas must surrender living and dead hostages.

Foreign leaders convened in Paris to work out postwar plans in Gaza.

This episode features Thomas Helm in Jerusalem, Hamza Hendawi in Cairo and Sunniva Rose in Brussels.

Israeli opposition meets and Gaza ceasefire optimism grows

Israeli opposition pledges to take down government.

There is mounting optimism for a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

Nearly 55,000 children under five in Gaza are estimated to be malnourished.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Israeli opposition makes plans to bring down Netanyahu within months

Top US envoys join Gaza talks in Egypt as optimism grows over deal

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent.

Gaza militias on the rise and tension in Aleppo

A new obstacle to peace is taking root in Gaza. Tension rises in Aleppo. French companies spot an opportunity in Syria.

On this episode of Trending Middle East:

New generation of militias steps out of Hamas's shadow to fill Gaza power vacuum

Frenchman who would build 37 bridges across Syria seeks Gulf financing

Syrian defence minister says 'comprehensive' truce agreed with SDF after Aleppo clashes

This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; and Sunniva Rose, Europe Correspondent.

Editor’s note: Trending Middle East has been nominated for a Signal Listener's Choice Award in the Daily Podcasts category. Please vote for us here. Voting closes October 9.