Trending Middle East

Ex-Israeli PM wants to 'topple' Netanyahu, and Riad Salameh to be released from prison

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.

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Israel's conditional Lebanon withdrawal, and new tensions with Houthis

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.

Syrian elections partly postponed, and clashes in Iran

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.

Israel strikes Gaza city, and Syria's new election law

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.

Hamas's amendment to truce deal and Iran says it is 'stronger' than before Israel war

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.

Israel firm on ceasefire conditions, and US pushes Israel on Lebanon

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.

 

Hamas agrees to Gaza truce, and US calls on Israel to honour Lebanon ceasefire

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.

Last push to pause Gaza war, and Al Shara meets Syrian Christian leader

Mediators are making one last push to pause the fighting in Gaza. Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara has met one of the country’s senior Christian leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to travel to Washington today.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Mediators revive plans for 60-day Gaza truce in final effort to stop Israeli ground assault

Zelenskyy heads to Washington after Trump-Putin summit ends without Ukraine ceasefire agreement

This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo 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.

Trump and Putin to hold talks in Alaska, and attacks on aid in Syria

US President Donald Trump is to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin today in Alaska. Aid efforts in the southern Syrian province of Sweida are under attack. A security agreement between Iran and Iraq is getting backlash from Washington.

On this episode of Trending Middle East:

European leaders make last-ditch appeal to Trump ahead of Alaska summit

Kaja Kallas: Trump-Putin talks in Alaska need Ukraine’s presence to be meaningful

Iraq security deal with Iran sparks tension with US

This episode features Manus Cranny, geo-economics editor; and Nada Homsi, 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.

Iran's tense meeting with Beirut, and Syria blames Israel for instability

Lebanon rejects foreign interference, its President tells Iran. Syria and Turkey's foreign ministers accuse Israel of undermining Damascus's rule. Civilian transitional rule in Gaza may last for up to a year.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Lebanon rejects foreign interference, President Aoun tells top Iranian official

Syria and Turkey strike new military deal

US offers incentives to Syria to back off from fighting minorities

Postwar civilian rule may last up to a year, says Gaza's proposed governor

This episode features Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent; Lizzie Porter, Turkey correspondent; and Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter.

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