Episodes

Monday Sep 01, 2025
Hamas leader dead, and Syrian forces attack Alawite hub
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Mohammed Sinwar, the presumed leader of Hamas in Gaza, is dead. Syrian security forces have killed several gunmen in the coastal Alawite heartland. Sudan's paramilitary commander is now the head of a parallel government.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Latest: Hamas confirms death of military chief Mohammed Sinwar
Sudan's RSF chief Gen Mohamed Dagalo sworn in as head of parallel Darfur-based government
This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.
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Friday Aug 29, 2025
Israel's conflicting orders in Gaza, and European sanctions on Iran
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Israel's displacement orders in Gaza trigger alarm and confusion. Three European countries have launched the process to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme. Israel has landed commandos on the outskirts of Damascus.
On this episode of Trending Middle East:
European powers trigger snapback nuclear sanctions on Iran
Confusion and dire conditions face Gaza city residents amid contradictory displacement orders
Israeli commandos land in Syria in clash over 'spy equipment'
This episode features Sunniva Rose, Europe correspondent; Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; 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.

Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Iraq pulls PMF bill, and Barrack cuts short Lebanon trip
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Iraq has revoked a controversial draft law favouring the Popular Mobilisation Forces. US envoy Tom Barrack cuts his Lebanon trip short. Palestinian leaders criticise an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank.
On this episode of Trending Middle East:
Iraqi government gives in to US pressure and withdraws bill regulating PMF militias
US envoy Tom Barrack cuts short visit to south Lebanon after protests
Israel seizes money in raid on West Bank currency exchange
Israeli raid in Ramallah is part of attempt to destabilise West Bank, Palestinians say
Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Ex-Israeli PM wants to 'topple' Netanyahu, and Riad Salameh to be released from prison
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Israel's former prime minister Ehud Olmert says he is on a mission to help topple Benjamin Netanyahu. The US is offering new incentives for Lebanon. Riad Salameh is to be released from prison.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Israel's Ehud Olmert on mission to topple Benjamin Netanyahu
Beauty and beast versus 'animalistic' media: Barrack and Ortagus in awkward Beirut briefing
Lebanon's ex-Central Bank chief Riad Salameh to be released on $20m bail
This episode features Nada AlTaher, senior reporter; Nada Homsi, Beirut correspondent; 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.

Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Israel's conditional Lebanon withdrawal, and new tensions with Houthis
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Israel announced it would begin to withdraw from Lebanon only after the Lebanese army starts to disarm Hezbollah. Tensions rise again between Israel and the Houthis. Five journalists were among at least 20 people killed in Israeli attacks on a Gaza hospital.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
No withdrawal from Lebanon until army begins disarming Hezbollah, Israel says
Escalation in Israel-Houthi fighting after rebels reportedly fire cluster munitions
Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital kill at least 20, including five journalists
This episode features Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor 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.

Monday Aug 25, 2025
Syrian elections partly postponed, and clashes in Iran
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Syria's upcoming parliamentary election will not include Sweida, Hasakah or Raqqa. The Norwegian Refugee Council has called for investment into Syria. Iranian security forces reportedly killed six Israel-linked militants.
On this episode of Trending Middle East:
Syria delays parliamentary vote in Sweida and two Kurdish-held areas
World needs to do more to help Syrians rebuild lives, says Norwegian Refugee Council chief
Iranian forces kill six militants linked to Israel, report says
This episode features 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.

Friday Aug 22, 2025
Israel strikes Gaza city, and Syria's new election law
Friday Aug 22, 2025
Friday Aug 22, 2025
Israel has begun its operation to take over Gaza city ahead of a full ground offensive. Syria’s President approved a temporary electoral law. The Syrian government is preparing to reopen a route from Sweida to Damascus.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Gaza city assault is a pressure tactic with devastating results, warn ex-Israeli officials
Al Shara approves temporary electoral law ahead of Syrian parliament vote
Syrian authorities ease roadblocks near Sweida ahead of possible reopening of Damascus road
This episode features Nada AlTaher, senior foreign reporter; 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.

Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Hamas seeks withdrawal by Israeli troops in Gaza.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it is stronger than before the war with Israel started.
Pope Leo is expected to visit Lebanon this year.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Hamas seeks Israeli pullback of 800 metres from homes in Gaza truce deal
Iran's IRGC claims it is 'stronger now than before war with Israel'
Pope Leo expected to visit Lebanon this year
This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Aveen Karim, Assistant Foreign Editor.
Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Israel firm on ceasefire conditions, and US pushes Israel on Lebanon
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Israel has demanded the release of all hostages in any Gaza deal. The US has called on Israel to comply with Lebanese government actions. Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient Christian cross in Abu Dhabi.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Israel demands release of all hostages in any Gaza deal
US must clarify Israel’s obligations after disarmament vote, sources close to Hezbollah say
Ancient Christian cross found on Abu Dhabi island as archaeologists dig into mysteries of the past
This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent; Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and John Dennehy, Senior Reporter.
Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Hamas agrees to Gaza truce, and US calls on Israel to honour Lebanon ceasefire
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
The US has called on Israel to honour its ceasefire with Lebanon. New details emerge on Jordan's new conscription programme. Negotiations on the Gaza ceasefire remain up in the air.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Hamas agrees to Gaza ceasefire terms as mediators eye 'positive announcement'
US envoy calls on Israel to honour ceasefire with Lebanon
Three months, 6,000 men and no phones: Jordan reveals details of new military service
This episode features Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent; 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.

